The Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning’s calls for additional supplies to fight COVID-19 have been heard loud and clear by Queensland manufacturers.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk made the claim saying the State’s companies had stepped up to the plate.
“We’re seeing Queensland businesses making products from hand sanitiser to masks to help protect our frontline workers,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
The Premier’s comments were mirrored by the Minister for Manufacturing, Cameron Dick who said the Department had reached out to manufacturers, suppliers and producers to fill gaps and help keep production lines moving.
“We have received an amazing response from Queensland manufacturers who are developing solutions by retooling and pivoting their focus to new products and offering engineering and design expertise,” Mr Dick said.
“We have received over 250 enquiries from industry and connected more than 150 businesses to potential suppliers since the Manufacturer’s Supply Matching webpage was launched three weeks ago.”
He said that to help further, a request to the market was being undertaken through the Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway, which connected businesses across industries with suppliers to continue operations.
“We currently have 16 work packages promoting Queensland supply opportunities directly to manufacturers via the ICN Gateway,” Mr Dick said.
“Many of these packages focus on the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including health care products such as face masks, hand sanitiser, face shields, ventilators, gowns and protective eyewear,” he said.
