September 10, 2026
A new front door to food innovation for Queensland businesses
Whether it's a regional producer exploring a new product idea, a growing manufacturer looking to improve food safety practices or a business wanting to better understand market opportunities, accessing the right expertise can sometimes be a challenge.
A collaboration between Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) and Queensland’s Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development (NRMMRRD) is creating a simpler pathway for food and beverage businesses across the state to access innovation, training and technical expertise.
The partnership brings together FaBA’s industry-focused programs with the Queensland Government’s network of nine Manufacturing Hubs, helping businesses connect with the support they need through a trusted local contact.
FaBA MakerSpace Industry Liaison Manager Sophie Perisce said the goal was simple: to make it easier for Queensland food and beverage businesses to access the expertise they need to innovate and grow.
“The FaBA MakerSpace combines UQ’s leading food innovation facilities, giving businesses access to the expertise, equipment and technologies needed to develop products, optimise formulations and accelerate growth,” Ms Perisce said.
“Queensland’s food and beverage sector is incredibly diverse and innovative, but many businesses don’t know where to start when they’re looking for support.”
“By working with the Manufacturing Hubs, we’re creating a clear pathway for businesses to access FaBA’s training, innovation programs and technical expertise through a trusted local network.”
As part of the collaboration, businesses will be able to explore opportunities ranging from workforce training and food innovation support to market intelligence tools, product development assistance and access to FaBA’s MakerSpace and broader innovation ecosystem.
The partnership builds on the Manufacturing Hubs’ established presence across Queensland and expands the range of specialist support available to businesses, particularly in regional areas.
The hubs already work closely with manufacturers on business capability, workforce development and industry connections, and the agreement provides a direct link to FaBA’s food and beverage facilities and expertise.
Richard Austin, Executive Director for Manufacturing at NRMMRRD said the collaboration would strengthen the support available to manufacturers across the state.
“The Queensland Manufacturing Hubs program has been established for over six years. The benefit of partnering with service providers like FaBA is they bring specialist content knowledge. It extends the technical expertise and trusted knowledge available to businesses, helping manufacturers access the right support at the right time”, Mr Austin said.
For Queensland food and beverage manufacturing businesses the benefits are practical and immediate. A manufacturer in Mackay, Toowoomba, Rockhampton or Cairns can now start with their local Manufacturing Hub and be connected to the people, programs and resources at FaBA that can help them solve unique challenges, develop new food and beverage products, strengthen supply chains and identify new growth opportunities.