Supplier registrations have surged in response to assist supplying materials and equipment to help in the fight against COVID-19.
“We’re seeing Queensland businesses making products from hand sanitiser to masks to help protect our frontline workers,” QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
Cameron Dick, Minister for Manufacturing said the Queensland Government 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,” he 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,
“To help further, a request to the market is being undertaken through the Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway, which will connect businesses across industries with suppliers to continue operations.”
The network currently has 16 work packages promoting Queensland supply opportunities directly to manufacturers via the ICN Gateway.
Cameron 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.
Operated by QMI Solutions, ICN has over 80,000 businesses nationally, and more than 22,000 of those are Queensland based businesses registered on their database ready to step up and help.
Shay Chalmers, Executive Director, said QMI Solutions is pleased to play a key role in the effort against COVID-19, through connecting our manufacturing community to supply chain opportunities.
“We are delighted with the response from our local manufacturing community. In less than a week we have had 40 companies submit 72 expressions of interest on the Queensland Government’s ICN Gateway COVID19 page,” he said.
“There have been over 3000-page views to the site since it has been created, which demonstrates high levels of engagement.”
This follows QLD service stations with dedicated truck rest stops have been granted a special exemption to stay open to support drivers carrying essential freight.
“Closing these facilities during a time of national crisis where our nation needs truck drivers and transport companies more than ever was clearly unacceptable,” Mark Bailey, QLD Transport and Main Roads Minister said.
Gary Mahon, Queensland Trucking Association CEO said it was vitally important that truck drivers on the front line delivering essential goods and supplies could continue to access food and amenities around the country.
“The road freight industry is utterly dependable and reliable, and I would like to recognise the wonderful job all professional truck drivers are doing to keep up with the increased demand for supplies and services,” Gary said.