Search begins for advanced manufacturing at The Mill

The company managing the multi-billion-dollar development at The Mill at Moreton Bay is undertaking targeted industry engagement ahead of the first phase of investment opportunities to be released later this year.

Millovate is ‘market sounding’ potential advanced manufacturing opportunities for the site from June 15-28 to identify local interest in operating in a medium to high-density mixed-use urban centre and seize collaboration opportunities with other cutting-edge businesses and researchers.

Millovate Board Chair Nigel Chamier says locating advanced manufacturing operations in an urban setting adjoining the rapidly growing USC Moreton Bay campus is a major step change for the industry that requires ‘market sounding’.

“Advanced manufacturing facilities are traditionally located in technology parks and industrial locations, so our proposal to integrate this sector into a higher density urban environment is an exciting proposition that requires industry engagement,” Mr Chamier says.

“Advanced manufacturing is about more than production. It comprises research and development, design, supply chain and logistics, customisation, sales and support – all components of a business we think could gain a competitive edge from co-locating alongside other innovative businesses and research facilities.

“The two-week Advanced Manufacturing market sounding calls interested parties to identify what parts of the industry may be best placed to operate in higher density environments including microelectronics, information technology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, renewable energy, robotics and more.

“We want to hear from Advanced Manufacturers who feel they may be ready now or in the medium-term to base their research and development in the more compact and dynamic collaboration environments being considered at The Mill at Moreton Bay.”

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Mayor Peter Flannery says The Mill at Moreton Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support local innovation and increase productivity and competitiveness across a range of sectors.

“Advanced manufacturing is one of the four key priority industries highlighted within Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Regional Economic Development Strategy 2020 - 2041,” Mayor Flannery says.

“This first industry engagement by Millovate demonstrates the level of innovation being sought for The Mill that will separate this site from any other development in South East Queensland.

“Testing the benefits of co-locating advanced manufacturing businesses with other technology and research sectors could provide pathways to helping Moreton Bay Region businesses gain a competitive edge on local and international markets.

“Millovate is well-positioned to help us attract investments that will help drive future economic growth in our region.”

Millovate CEO Stuart Pickering says the role of Millovate is to push the boundaries in order to achieve the level of innovation required to put The Mill at Moreton Bay on the map.

“Millovate’s mission is to enable local communities and businesses to thrive and grow, and we will do this by actively attracting high-value investment and employment opportunities designed to grow Moreton Bay’s economy,” Mr Pickering says.

“There is a chance that local Advanced Manufacturing operators may not be immediately suited to smaller scale urban spaces and this market sounding process will provide a better understanding of current capability and ways we involve the sector in the future.

“Millovate will evaluate the results of the market sounding over the coming months before undertaking a formal process with industry later in the year.

In the coming months, Millovate will provide further information to industry about the timing of broader investment opportunities across a range of other sectors including health, education, research, industry advancement, retail, entertainment, sport and recreation.

To register for updates and be notified about the release of investment opportunities for The Mill at Moreton Bay visit the website