Megatrends Event Showcases Moreton Bay

Published 14 November 2025

Mel Ireland, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing - Mel Woon, City of Moreton Bay Dr Daniel Abell, UniSC - Darren Ramia-Topp, The Industry Factory - Nick Lovell, Data Protection Services at the recent Megatrends in Manufacturing event.

Moreton Bay’s manufacturing sector is booming, with standout growth in the machinery and equipment manufacturing sector, and $1.5 billion in exports annually
Megatrends in Manufacturing event attracted over 100 attendees, highlighting AI adoption, digital transformation, and collaboration across industry, education and government
Local manufacturers gained insights and connections to future-proof operations and drive innovation

City of Moreton Bay, already known as South East Queensland’s print manufacturing power base, with 37% of all domestic and international print manufacturing exports coming from the City, is now seeing key growth in other manufacturing sectors.

A recent Megatrends in Manufacturing event drew over 100 attendees and spotlighted the industry’s growing strength, collaborative spirit, and focus on digital transformation.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said manufacturing is a key part of the City’s economy. It employs more than 10,000 locals and contributes $1.5 billion annually in exports.

“Events like Megatrends help local businesses innovate, upskill and connect with research and government to future-proof their operations.

“This is all part of our vision for a City of Tomorrow where smart industry, skilled jobs and sustainable growth go hand in hand.”

More parts of the City’s manufacturing base are also seeing record growth. Between 2023 and 2024, Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing defied regional trends with 15% jobs growth and a 11% rise in value-add, contrasting sharply with declines across SEQ.

This growth supports Council’s vision for a $40 billion economy by 2041, underpinned by a collaborative ecosystem linking education, government and industry.

Recent AI Adoption Tracker data of Australian businesses has indicated that 28% of surveyed manufacturing businesses are already adopting AI and that digital transformation is also seeing result in Moreton Bay.

Darren Ramia-Topp from The Industry Factory who spoke at the City’s Megatrends in Manufacturing event said Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing was growing as industry sees the effectiveness and efficiency gains.

“Manufacturers are starting to see real value in AI, especially in streamlining operations and developing the skills to lead their teams through the changes that AI is creating. Events like Megatrends in Manufacturing play a key role in overcoming legacy systems and skills gaps and getting the workforce ready to accelerate adoption,” Mr Ramia-Topp said.

“South East Queensland, led by City of Moreton Bay, has the industry strength and talent to lead Australia in practical, scalable AI manufacturing solutions.”

Council’s support for manufacturing includes infrastructure investment, international connections, business development programs and a series of industry-focused events like Megatrends. These initiatives are designed to help local businesses adapt to global trends and seize new opportunities.

A recently announced TAFE Centre of Excellence at Moreton Bay Central will deliver world-class training in advanced manufacturing, engineering and electrotechnology. The $60 million facility will include an Advanced Manufacturing Hub, supporting high-tech, high-demand sectors and complementing UniSC’s Moreton Bay campus.

Andrew Holmes, Director of Brendale-based manufacturer Custom Lithium, said events like Megatrends in Manufacturing provide valuable insight into how AI and lean principles are shaping the future of Australian manufacturing .

“Events like Megatrends in Manufacturing provide valuable insight into how AI and lean principles are shaping the future of Australian manufacturing,” Mr Holmes said.