$500k Federal government grant secures Mackay’s agriculture supply chain

A liquid fertiliser company supplying sugarcane farms from Mossman in the north to Sarina in central Queensland will help secure Mackay’s supply chain resilience in times of crisis.

Mackay’s LiquaForce is changing the way the agricultural industry uses fertiliser manufacturing plants by securing supply chains during tough times.

The agricultural chemicals company is one of 27 projects to get a share of more than $33 million under Round One of the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, a key part of the government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

The business will help secure Mackay’s supply chain resilience in times of crisis.

LiquaForce will use just under $490,000 in funding to improve the efficiency and capacity of its fertiliser manufacturing plants to manage supply disruptions.

Dawson MP George Christensen said the grant would help secure Mackay’s supply of vital agricultural chemicals.

“LiquaForce manufactures the agricultural chemicals our farmers need to boost food production in the sugar and horticultural industries, and I congratulate LiquaForce managing director Cameron Liddle on the steps being taken here in Mackay to secure supply,” he said.

“Not only will this project help the whole country in difficult times – it also shows manufacturing is alive and well, and on the increase, in north Queensland.”

LiquaForce has secured funding to help secure the region’s access to critical agricultural products. Picture: Contributed

Industry Minister Angus Taylor said the grants would back companies that improved Australia’s access to products like medicines and agricultural production chemicals.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has showed us the importance of resilient supply chains, and manufacturing capability, within Australia – especially for critical products,” Minister Taylor said.

“Whether it be to ensure we have lifesaving medicines, or that our farmers have the agricultural production chemicals they need to keep producing food for Australians – we want to secure our capabilities to make what we need.”

Successful companies under Round One have received grants between $50,000 and $2 million across medicines and agricultural production chemicals – which were identified as focus sectors in the Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan.

Round Two grants will cover eligible projects in the areas of semi-conductors and water treatment chemicals.