Local manufacturers in Cairns and Far North Queensland with shovel-ready projects to increase their productivity and grow jobs are being encouraged to apply for a Manufacturing Modernisation Fund) grant.
Businesses will be able to apply for between $100,000 and $1 million to invest in new technology, as the Morrison Government continues to support the post-COVID-19 comeback.
Federal Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews said the MMF Round Two was a key element of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
“The Morrison Government knows that manufacturing is central to our nation’s economic future and creating jobs for the recovery from COVID-19 and for future generations,” Ms Andrews said.
“In these uncertain times, we’re giving manufacturing businesses the confidence and certainty they need to invest in themselves to deliver new and innovative products and services.
“We want to deliver more products for Australians, and beyond that, we want to open up more opportunities for manufacturers to take on the world with their top-quality products.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the Morrison Government is backing businesses to back themselves and grow.
“We want to help take hard-working manufacturers like those in Cairns and Far North Queensland to the next level, because we know if they prosper our community prospers,” Mr Entsch said.
“Cairns and Far North Queensland is home to many manufacturing businesses and is a significant employer of locals.
“By helping our manufacturers become more competitive, we not only create more direct jobs, but jobs in businesses right along the supply chain – from our farmers to our truckies.”
Round One of the MMF in April saw the Government invest $48.3 million into nearly 200 projects valued at more than $215 million.
These projects are expected to create about 2600 new jobs.
The big change between Round One and Round Two is that this time we will play to our nation’s strengths, with the projects needing to align with the National Manufacturing Priorities announced as part of our Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
The National Manufacturing Priorities are Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing, Food and Beverage, Medical Products, Recycling and Clean Energy, Defence, and Space.
Applications for Round Two of the MMF will be open until 21 January 2021.
For further information on the MMF, including how to apply, visit business.gov.au/mmf
