LNP pledges support

THE LNP will introduce a $20 million Built-in-queensland co-marketing program aimed to help Queensland manufactures break into new markets if elected in October.

Opposition spokesman for manufacturing Andrew Powell announced the initiative at a visit to Australian Lining Company and Beehive Vinyl Products in Townsville.

He said it was part of the LNP’S manufacturing policies which include no new taxes for businesses and a regional electricity competition policy.

“Companies like Beehive need to stay up to date with all of their contracts and to ensure their businesses are growing they need to promote themselves not only in Queensland but interstate and internationally,” Mr Powell said.

“We are offering a co-investment fund so when they do that promotional work we will match dollar for dollar their investment in that to grow their business, to grow their contracts and to grow the number of staff they need to meet those contracts.

“We think it is time we start backing our local manufacturers and giving them a hand to go from strength to strength and come out of COVID-19 in a stronger position than when they went in and with more contracts so they can keep employing more staff.

“It is about making Built in Queensland a global brand so a business like Beehive with their branding on it goes across the world so customers can see it was made in Queensland and made in Townsville.”

Beehive Vinyl Products general manager Sean Kerlin said the manufacturing industry in Australia was very competitive and any assistance to help cut costs was welcome.

He said the company sold its products throughout Australia and exported around the world predominantly to the mining industry. These in