Qld Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Queensland Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP) supports Queensland’s regional manufacturing businesses. It aims to boost advanced manufacturing capabilities. The program improves productivity, increases international competitiveness, and creates jobs.

The grant has a total funding pool of $33.5 million for Round 4. It focuses on technology, skills, business expansion, energy efficiency, and advanced processes. This grant helps strengthen regional manufacturing and economic development.

Key Grant Details of MHGP

• Grant amount: $10,000 to $500,000 (excluding GST) per applicant.
• Application dates: Round 4 closed on 30 June 2025.
• Eligible industries/businesses: Small to medium manufacturing enterprises (5-200 full-time employees). Their main activity and turnover must be manufacturing.
• Required co-contributions: Applicants must provide matched funding up to 50% of project costs.
• Location applicability: Businesses must operate in Queensland’s Cairns, Townsville, Central Queensland, Mackay, or Gold Coast SA4 regions.

Priority Sectors

The grant is open to a broad range of sectors within manufacturing. Projects aligned with renewables manufacturing, Olympic Games supply chains, and manufactured housing are encouraged.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum per project: $10,000 to $500,000.
• Funding categories:
  • Technology adoption (equipment, robotics, systems, software, data analytics).
  • Skills and training, including apprenticeships and traineeships.
  • Business development and advanced robotic manufacturing (ARM) hub services.
• Project duration: Typically up to 3 years.

Grant Amount in Total

$33.5 million for Round 4 of the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a Queensland-based SME with 5 to 200 full-time employees.
• Principal business activity and the majority of annual turnover must come from manufacturing.
• Primary operations and the project site must be in an eligible Queensland SA4 region. These are Cairns, Townsville, Central Queensland, Mackay, and the Gold Coast.
• Operated in Queensland for at least three consecutive years before the application.
• Registered for GST and hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Ability to provide matched funding (up to 50% of project costs).
• Demonstrated ability to manage and deliver project outcomes.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Purchase and adoption of new manufacturing technologies, equipment, software, robotics, and data analytics tools
• Skills development, including training, apprenticeships, and leadership development
• Business development activities that drive advanced manufacturing capability and competitiveness
• Use of ARM Hub services to support manufacturing innovation and processes
• Energy efficiency and carbon footprint management improvements

Assessment Process

This is a competitive, peer-reviewed grant process. Key evaluation criteria include:

• Project merit and potential to enhance advanced manufacturing capability.
• Alignment with strategic focus areas and program objectives.
• Demonstrated value for money and economic impact potential.
• Capacity to deliver outcomes and sustain improvements.

Recent Program Updates (MHGP)

Round 4 funding of $33.5 million closed on 30 June 2025 or when fully allocated. The government continues to focus on Queensland’s manufacturing regions. Investments for new hubs in Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast are part of broader manufacturing growth.

Application Tips

• Thoroughly check eligibility requirements, including location and business operational history
• Prepare matched funding and supporting financial documentation in advance
• Align project proposals with Queensland government priorities such as technology adoption, skills development, and sustainability
• Provide clear evidence of project benefits, capability to deliver, and contribution to advanced manufacturing
• Submit applications before the closing date (note that the current round is closed; monitor for future rounds.

Where to Get Help for the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.