Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing) | Link to this | Hansard source

Small businesses in my electorate of Capricornia continue to lead the way in the development and manufacturing of state-of-the-art equipment. In fact, manufacturing is one of the top three employment industries in Capricornia. With almost 3,000 people working in the manufacturing sector in the Rockhampton region alone, Capricornia is a powerhouse in this industry.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit local small business CQ Soil Testing, who sought the expertise of another local Rockhampton company, GJK Contractors, to design and create a one-of-a-kind drilling rig. CQ Soil Testing have over 20 years of experience in the sampling and testing of soil and are recognised as one of the best laboratories in Queensland. Starting from a shed in his backyard, the managing director, Scott Walton, quickly outgrew his shed and now has offices in Mackay and Hervey Bay. His company specialises in the investigation, sampling and testing of soil and groundwater and in geotechnical work for the domestic industrial, government and mining sectors. Scott is a passionate Central Queensland local, and he and his team recently opened their soil testing laboratory in Rockhampton, which has seen further skilled job creation for the region.

With the demand for their services growing, it was time to invest in a new mobile geotechnical drilling rig that is fully mine compliant. Rather than seeking an overseas company or even one elsewhere in Australia, CQ Soil Testing worked with local manufacturing business GJK Contractors to design and manufacture their new rig. In an Australian first, GJK Contractors and CQ Soil Testing created a rig that not only has the ability to operate three different functions but also can operate each setting at the same time. With the rig's unique safety specifications, it will allow the team at CQ Soil Testing to tap further into the strong mining industry right across the state. The Minerals Council of Australia predicts that the need for coal will grow by 24 per cent by 2030. Businesses like CQ Soil Testing are readying themselves for the mining boom that will be created by the push for renewable energy.

As the shadow assistant minister for manufacturing, I'm thrilled to see Australia's skills in creating new and never-before-seen products. Our great country has provided. We have the ability to design, develop and produce what is needed to keep our nation at the forefront of emerging technologies. What excites me even more is seeing local small businesses support each other and work collaboratively to bring an idea to life. Well done, CQ Soil Testing and GJK Contractors, on this wonderful milestone for your businesses.