09/06/2026
RNA Innovation Hub opens to strengthen Australia’s biotech sector
Australia's first dedicated RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility has opened at Macquarie University, supported by a $96 million NSW Government investment. Designed by HDR, the 4,500-square-metre facility bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical application for vaccines and therapies targeting viruses, cancers, and genetic diseases. It features mRNA production suites, lipid nanoparticle encapsulation, and GMP-aligned quality control laboratories. This purpose-built facility strengthens Australia's capacity to accelerate first-in-human clinical trials and develop next-generation medical technologies.
Source: https://www.manmonthly.com.au/rna-facility-opens-in-sydney/
02/06/2026
COPI Critical Minerals Project boosts NSW Critical Minerals Development
The NSW Government has approved RZ Resources' $693 million Copi Critical Minerals Project, marking a significant step in strengthening Australia's critical minerals and rare earths supply chains. Located in far south-west NSW, the project is expected to commence production in early 2029 and operate for 18 years. The Copi project will process up to 27 million tonnes of material and produce up to 400,000 tonnes of critical mineral ore annually, including titanium minerals, premium zircon, and rare earth elements such as monazite and xenotime. Recognised as one of the world's largest critical minerals deposits, the project positions NSW as a key player in global supply chains for the clean energy transition.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/copi-mineral-sands-project-approved
22/10/2025
UNSW research explores greener manufacturing methods for iron and steel production
Researchers at UNSW University Sydney are developing cleaner iron and steelmaking technologies to help reduce one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions in manufacturing. According to UNSW Professor Yansong Shen, who leads the university’s SCOPE Lab for Green Metals, current iron and steel production methods account for around 7 to 9 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions – a level that underscores the need for viable low-emission manufacturing alternatives.
https://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/unsw-research-explores-greener-manufacturing-methods-for-iron-and-steel-production/
14/10/2025
Western Sydney Space Hub set for take off
Western Sydney will soon host Australia’s newest space manufacturing hub. The NSW Government has partnered with Space Machines Company to start advanced satellite production at Bradfield. Under the RAPID agreement (Rapid Australian Production & Integration for Distributed Space), Bradfield will become a centre for high-tech innovation, creating new jobs and boosting Australia’s space capabilities. Initial plans will see more than 30 units produced annually, with output expected to grow to hundreds of satellites a year by 2030.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/western-sydney-space-hub-set-for-take-off/
27/05/2025
NSW is a step closer to producing locally manufactured trains
The NSW Government has launched industry engagement for the Future Fleet Program, moving closer to locally manufactured trains while reviving domestic production, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. It will be replacing the ageing Tangara fleet by early 2027, with a target of 50 per cent local content for design, construction, and maintenance. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has launched a market analysis and engagement campaign with manufacturers and suppliers to gather insights, define key priorities, and refine future plans for the Future Fleet Program. This initiative involves producing approximately 450 new train carriages.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/locally-manufactured-trains-one-step-closer-for-nsw/
07/05/2025
Western Sydney University receives a A$ 2.5M research grant to accelerate manufacturing innovation
Western Sydney University researchers have received over $2.5 million to support collaborative projects that strengthen Australia’s manufacturing sector. The funding, part of the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), will drive advancements in manufacturing through university-industry partnerships. It will support Western Sydney University’s School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment and its Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (CfAMT), established in late 2023. The AMCRC initiative supports the University’s broader efforts to strengthen the manufacturing sector, alongside key projects such as AMRF Connect at Bradfield City Centre and the Factory of the Future at Bankstown City campus.
https://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/2-5m-research-grant-to-drive-manufacturing-innovation-at-western-sydney-university/
24/03/2025
AUD 800,000 NSW pilot program aimed at regional manufacturers
The NSW Government has launched an AUD 800,000 Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program to boost productivity, cut costs, and enhance competitiveness for small-to-medium manufacturers in regional NSW. The program funds professional audits to help businesses streamline operations, reduce waste, and identify training opportunities. Minister Tara Moriarty emphasized the initiative’s role in strengthening regional economies, creating jobs, and ensuring sustainability. Lean manufacturing, a globally recognized approach, focuses on efficiency, waste reduction, and quality improvement. Companies like Toyota, Boeing, and regional firms such as Bega Group and Flavourtech have successfully adopted these principles. Manufacturing in regional NSW generates $32 billion in sales and employs 84,000 workers, underscoring the industry's importance. Applications for the program close at 4pm on Monday, 31 March 2025.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/800000-nsw-pilot-program-aimed-at-regional-manufacturers/
