Resources Centre of Excellence shares sneak peek into new Future Industries Hub
A world-class resources centre in the engine room of the state’s mining sector is set to deliver cutting edge technology to the region’s grassroot industries.
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Start-up businesses will now get the help they need to get their visions off the ground, with the launch of an innovative resources hub in Mackay.
Whether it be robotics, mineral processing, or manufacturing, the Greater Whitsunday ‘Future Industries’ Delivery Hub will provide everything operators need to tap into the latest cutting-edge technology, equipment and expertise.
The hub will help aspiring industry leaders get their foot in the door, cutting out years of legwork required to kickstart their careers.
Building on the success of Stage One over the past year, Stage Two is just around the corner.
“Our second stage is very much about capturing and incubating the industries of the future that are going to drive our regional economy,” Resources Centre of Excellence general manager Steven Boxall said.
Stage Three will involve robotics collaboration, where local manufacturers can come together to jointly procure equipment or funding for equipment, and use the equipment for specialised manufacturing.
Stage Four will involve advanced manufacturing, which will be developed once the concept is out within the wider market.
Existing businesses will not be left behind – with the hub also focusing on “future-proofing current industries” through an eco-friendly focus.
“(This) modularised building could have three or four tenants. We want to bring in different industries or businesses that may use it as a first step in setting up or conducting some sort of testing or future innovation,” Mr Boxall said.
“It’s a very futuristic concept around creating the space where they can operate out of. I see this as the next level for medium to large-sized businesses … to tap into new technology.”
If successful for a state government funding initiative, the Resource Communities Infrastructure Fund, construction could begin by mid-2022 and operations by early 2023.
Join the conversation
‘As big as my hand’: Teen catches deadly jellyfish at popular beach
The 14-year-old was performing a routine jellyfish ‘drag’ at the North Queensland beach when he noticed the creature that would close the beach for most of the day
Read more
Power restored for thousands after major lightning storm lashes Mackay
Thousands of people were left without power overnight after a spectacular storm saw the Mackay region struck by lightning more than 60,000 times.
Read more