Manufacturing conference supports ‘the people that make it’ in the Western Downs.

The manufacturing industry is set to build knowledge and strategies as the first ever Accelerate Manufacturing: Western Downs Manufacturing Conference brings together local businesses, industry experts, and stakeholders to promote further growth across the sector.

Council is excited to be delivering a free day of presentations from industry experts offering their insight into emerging industry trends and opportunities for the manufacturing sector on 25 May 2022 at the Dalby Events Centre.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the conference aimed to support the region’s manufacturing sector which is a major economic pillar of the region’s strong diverse economy.

“We have 123 manufacturing businesses operating in the Western Downs who employ over 1,600 people and generated $696 million in sales in 2021, investing in the continued growth and success of this industry benefits the whole region economically,” he said.

“Conference speakers will share their knowledge and research on the latest industry trends and opportunities such as business transformation models, workforce attraction, development opportunities, strategies to reach net-zero and opportunities for grants and business support.”

Western Downs Regional Council has brought together eight industry expert presenters to deliver a varied program of topics including a case study of robotic welding, trade and education opportunities for manufacturers, autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing practices and workforce attraction and retention principles.

The conference is as much about keeping pace with trends as it is with networking and collaborating with other industry operators.

“We hope that conference attendees will be a mixture of those who already operate manufacturing businesses in the region, as well as those who may be interested in what the Western Downs can offer to establish manufacturing businesses locally.” Cr McVeigh said.

“The Western Downs has a reputation as being open for business with low land acquisition costs, stable workforce, robust supply chains, fantastic energy infrastructure and a collaborative manufacturing culture.”

“I encourage our local operators to register for this a great opportunity to enhance their business and network with others in the broader industry.

Conference Keynote speaker Shay Chalmers is an acclaimed manufacturing industry leader and qualified engineer who will be presenting at the conference around the future of manufacturing, skills, education and diversity.

“It’s an exciting time for the manufacturing sector with a plethora of opportunities on the horizon, from renewable projects including hydrogen, wind and solar to local rail and rolling stock creation and the supply chain and 10-year runway to the Olympics,” Ms Chalmers said.

“The Western Downs is already a step ahead with plenty of space and sunny days, and local manufacturers who are agile and eager to gain an understanding of future trends will be best placed to capitalise on opportunities nationally and abroad, so I encourage manufacturers to come along and hear from the great speakers at Accelerate Manufacturing 2022.”

To find out more about the Accelerate Manufacturing: Western Downs Manufacturing Conference 2022 program, or to register your business, visit the conference website www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/accelerate-manufacturing-western-downs-manufacturing-conference-2022/ or call Western Downs Regional Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL).

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Media Contact:

Western Downs Regional Council Media Office                                                07 4679 4265