JUNE 15, 2018: IT was a pleasure to be on hand to launch a funding round which could inject up to $35 million over four years into innovation development in the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector.The METS Ignited Collaborative Project Funds allocation provides matched funding for projects that drive innovation.Successful METS Ignited Collaborative Projects will drive development and job creation in our region,a world leader in the METs sector due to our proven strengths in mining safety, management, site closures and rehabilitation.There is also significant opportunity to export the knowledge developed in this industry to the global mining industry.METS Ignited is running the Bowen Basin Cluster program here in Mackay and we also had involvement from our local businesses in the accelerator program held late last year.There are exciting times ahead for Mackay in relation to both of these projects, because our METS companies form part of a world-class sector that is at the forefront of innovation.

• The Australian METS sector provides $86 billion in gross value add to the national economy and supports half a million jobs.
• In Queensland, the sector employs approximately 20,000 people in more than 800 companies across the state, generating $7 billion in revenue and $2.5 billion in value add to the Queensland economy.