Manufacturers across Cairns and Far North Queensland can now apply for a share of $800 million in funding for major job creating projects under the Morrison Government’s $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
Funding of between $20 million and $200 million is available, covering up to 33 per cent of eligible project expenditure.
The Morrison Government’s six National Manufacturing Priority areas are: medical products; clean energy and recycling; food and beverage; defence; space along with resource technology and critical minerals processing.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch called on manufacturers in Cairns and Far North Queensland to lodge their applications for funding before September 9.
“Our $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative is designed to support Australian manufacturers to build resilience, scale and become more competitive – all while creating the jobs we need in Cairns and Far North Queensland and right across the country,” Mr Entsch said.
“I have spoken to several businesses across Cairns and Far North Queensland who are currently working on their applications.
“If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is the need to further support our manufacturers to ensure future reliance.”
Federal Industry, Science and Technology Minister Christian Porter said the government will strategically invest in projects that will help manufacturers to scale up and create jobs, with investments targeted at projects within the six National Manufacturing Priority areas.
“As a government we plan to harness Australia’s manufacturing capability to drive job creation and spur private investment, especially as we chart our economic recovery from COVID-19 and build our future resilience,” Mr Porter said.
“Through the Collaboration Stream, we are determined to co-invest in industry-led proposals that will transform our National Manufacturing Priority areas, by encouraging manufacturers to move up the value chain to higher value, higher margin activities, including drawing on our world class research.
Applications can be lodged until Thursday, 9 September 2021.
More details and the guidelines are available at www.business.gov.au/mmic
