Industry leaders gather for Accelerate Manufacturing Western Downs Conference

Contributing more than $350m annually to the local economy, manufacturing industry leaders have gathered in Dalby to discuss the vital industry for the Western Downs. Find out what was talked about here.

First time ever, Accelerate Manufacturing Western Downs Manufacturing Conference at Dalby Events Centre, May 2022 Picture: Emily Devon

Dozens of manufacturing leaders have attended the third annual Accelerate Manufacturing Conference in Dalby to discuss what the future may hold for the industry.

Within the Western Downs region manufacturing is one of the largest industries providing 1200 jobs and contributing $350m in total sales to the economy annually.

Up to 15 presenters spoke at the event, including Dalby-based Amy Schutt from Midwest Fabrication, Chinchilla’s Louise McMahon from MFE and agricultural manufacturer Simplicity’s Troy Law.

Councillor for Business Strategy and Economic Development Megan James said the event was a good way to share ideas for the future of the industry.

Councillor for Business Strategy and Economic Development Megan James said the event was a good way to share ideas for the future of the industry.

“We have such a huge opportunity with the Future Made In Australia investment the federal government is putting in and with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan our region will be at the forefront for a lot of that development and we have an opportunity to capture that,” she said.

“This is really important to stimulate our local businesses and learn what we can do to really capture those opportunities.”

Ms James said all of the data showed manufacturing was a growing industry in the state.

“We heard from Rebecca Andrews from Manufacturing Skills Queensland this morning about how we need to reposition manufacturing in her words as a ‘sexy industry’ and debunk these myths around it being dirty, low paid and repetitive,” she said.

“What we do know is that Queensland is booming ahead as manufacturing becomes a growing and crucial industry, the jobs are well paid, it is safe and exciting and it has incredible opportunities so now we need to make sure we get young people interested and invested.”

Deputy mayor Kylie Bourne said there were a diverse range of speakers and businesses at the event.

“I was interested to see the diversity of the presenters at the conference and it is great to see some of those local representatives on the ground and hear what they are up to,” she said.

“One of the things we are mindful of as a council is that diversity of an economy is paramount for liveability and sustainability and manufacturing is one of the key contributors to our region so it’s important we continue to support the industry.”

Ms Bourne said the event was also a great networking opportunity.

“They are busy people so for them to take a day out of running their businesses to be here is great. I was speaking with someone from one of the businesses here and the conversation went to youth and employment so he clearly came along to find out more in that space,” she said.

“The ability to delve down into the content and listen to people's advice and find out where some opportunities might be for them is important.

“Often business owners are so busy running their business they might forget what other support mechanisms, funding or opportunities there are so these sorts of events are really important.”

Ms James echoed this.

“You might have a good idea and it’s then how do we use our collaboration and connection with other people to grow something, there might be a few heads here today putting together ideas of how we can invest in our local area,” she said.

“Getting together and chatting with others in the industry is such a great way to build connection and ideas.”