Grants up to $500,000 to assist manufacturing SMEs in Queensland’s regions to increase their advanced manufacturing capabilities by adopting new technologies and building workforce skills.
On this page you will find
What is the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP)?
The Manufacturing Hubs in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Mackay and Gold Coast provide a catalyst to promote and deliver world-leading technologies, improved processes and practices, workforce development and training, private sector investment and local jobs for regional SMEs.
Each hub focuses on strengthening key manufacturing sectors of each region.
- Cairns region: aviation, marine and food processing
- Townsville region: advanced metal production and food transformation
- Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region: mining equipment, technology and services, agriculture and resource recovery
- Rockhampton region: rail manufacturing and technology, advanced metal production and food production innovation
- Gladstone region: hydrogen, biofuels and renewable energy
- Gold Coast region: marine, steel fabrication, transport equipment and vehicle manufacturing and food processing
Through the regional manufacturing hubs, manufacturers can connect with the ARM Hub to access cutting-edge robotics and associated technologies, robotics expertise, skills development, and industry knowledge.
MHGP level of support
Grants
- Minimum grant amount: $10,000
- Maximum grant amount: $500,000
- The grant amount cannot exceed 50% of the total eligible activity costs, meaning applicants must provide a co-contribution of 50% or more
MHGP important dates
- Applications Close: 30 June 2025 or when all funding is allocated
- Assessment Period: Approximately eight weeks from receipt of a complete and eligible application
- Funding Agreement Execution: Within 30 days of being notified of the outcome
- Project Delivery Timeline: Projects must be completed within 12 months of executing the funding agreement, with potential extensions considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
MHGP objectives
The key objectives of the MHGP are to:
- Improve productivity and international competitiveness of regional manufacturing businesses.
- Enable the adoption of new technologies, including robotics, data analytics, and energy-efficient systems.
- Support high-performing workplaces through skills development and management capabilities.
- Stimulate private sector investment in Queensland’s regional manufacturing sector.
Activities eligible for MHGP support
Round 4 of the Manufacturing Hubs Grants Program will support projects addressing the strategic focus areas of:
- Renewables manufacturing
- Olympic Games supply chains
- Manufactured housing
Projects that align with a strategic focus area should note the connections and expected outcomes as part of the application process.
Eligible activities must contribute to the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities. These may include:
- Technology adoption (e.g., purchase and integration of automated equipment, robotics, or cyber security systems).
- Skills and training (e.g., professional development for employees, micro-credentialing, and leadership programs).
- Business development activities (e.g., market research, digital media strategies, or obtaining industry accreditations).
- Services from the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub (ARM Hub), including adoption sprints and expert services.
Ineligible Expenditures: While many project costs are covered, some expenses are ineligible for MHGP funding. These include:
- Costs related to third-party consultants preparing the application.
- Travel, accommodation, and personal expenses.
- Costs already subsidised by the Queensland or Australian government, such as attending trade shows.
- Fees for patent registration or intellectual property protection.
- Employee salaries and recruitment costs.
- General business operating expenses such as utilities and product materials.
See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible activities.
Other MHGP important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for MHGP support
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a small to medium enterprise (SME) with 5–200 full-time employees.
- Have its principal operations in one of the following Queensland regions: Cairns, Townsville, Central Queensland, Mackay, or the Gold Coast.
- Have been operating in Queensland for at least three years.
- Be registered for GST and hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
See the guidelines for full details of applicant eligibility requirements.
MHGP assessment criteria
Applications are assessed based on their ability to:
- Build productivity and international competitiveness (20%).
- Incorporate leading-edge equipment and processes (20%).
- Support the creation of high-skilled jobs in Queensland (20%).
- Align with the strategic direction and profitability of the business (10%).
- Demonstrate value for money and links to strategic focus areas such as renewables and Olympic supply chains (20%).
- Provide realistic budgets and timelines (10%).
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the MHGP?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- a transformational project that positions your business as an advanced manufacturer or undertaking new operations/functions at a significantly higher capability
- evidence of investment in world-leading technologies, improved processes and practices and increased workforce development and training
- valid and verifiable outcomes that include increased sustainable jobs and workforce skills, increased output capability, access to new markets and private sector investment, and improved supply chain demand and supply
- the necessary resources and project management experience and expertise to deliver the project within the agreed timeline
Information to prepare for the MHGP application
Before applying, ensure you have the following prepared:
- A completed project description, including scope, objectives, and expected benefits.
- Evidence of your organisation’s financial capacity to fund the project.
- A detailed workforce development plan, particularly if new technologies require upskilling employees.
- Quotes for each major cost item in the project budget.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for MHGP
Applications must be submitted electronically through the relevant regional Manufacturing Hub.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
MHGP resources
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