Around 20 businesses from the Rockhampton Region and Central Queensland have taken the first step towards securing lucrative defence contracts at the Intro to Defence Manufacturing Workshop.
The free workshop was provided by Rockhampton Regional Council's lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton, in partnership with Defence Jobs Queensland and the Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub.
Businesses were given an outline of potential upcoming defence manufacturing projects, an overview of defence supply chain pathways, and an improved understanding of the requirements and standards required to successfully bid for contracts.
Attendees were able to meet representatives from government agencies as well as Samual Jesuadian, from the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub, and Mitch Upton from Upton Engineering- a Central Queensland precision manufacturing business and success story for supplying products to the defence sector.
Mayor Tony Williams said Council was working with local business and industry to improve defence manufacturing capabilities that will help deliver jobs and economic growth for the future.
"Rockhampton is already renowned as a defence destination for its proximity to Shoalwater Bay and world class air and sea ports, and increasing the Region's defence manufacturing capability will only enhance our offerings," Mayor Williams said.
"We have talented and multiskilled manufacturing businesses working in the resources, agriculture and heavy transport sectors and this workshop is about demonstrating defence opportunities for those businesses and how that could benefit both them and the region as a whole.
"We see huge potential for local manufacturers to work on armoured vehicles, drone repair and maintenance, robotics and construction – we just need to fill some of the knowledge gaps around defence-specific procedures and requirements."
Erin Kiernan, Manager of the North Queensland Defence Industry Hub said working with the defence sector opens a world of possibilities.
"Defence manufacturing provides a range of exciting and unique opportunities for Rockhampton Region businesses, setting them up to take advantage of global supply chain opportunities," Ms Kiernan said.
"The Intro to Defence Manufacturing Workshop helps business understand the criteria needed to apply for defence contracts, but also shows them the benefits that come from operating in this ever-evolving sector."
Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub Manager, Kristopher Biddle, said local support is available for manufacturers looking to develop their capability, capacity and skills to service new industry sectors, such as defence.
"While at first the process of working on defence projects can seem daunting, there is a network of industry partners and support services available," Mr Biddle said.
"The Rockhampton Manufacturing Hub has strong relationships with Defence Jobs Queensland and Advance Rockhampton, and our doors are always open to regional manufacturers seeking to grow their business."
Advance Rockhampton Economic Development Manager, Wade Clark, said the Intro to Defence Manufacturing Workshop builds on the Region's strong heritage as a support base for defence operations.
"Advance Rockhampton is working to achieve Council's vision of becoming a key player in Australia's defence support sector," Mr Clark said.
"Our Economic Development Action Plan identified a need to work with stakeholders and focus on advancing our manufacturing industry if we want to achieve our goal of a $1.1 billion local defence industry by 2041.
"That starts with ensuring businesses are brought along for the journey and are ready to take advantage of opportunities as they emerge."
