Manufacturers stealing tourism’s limelight

The glitter strip is fast emerging as a manufacturing powerhouse. While Australia’s domestic tourism capital is “famous for fun” for its theme parks and its golden beaches, the Gold Coast’s growing manufacturing sector is close to surpassing tourism as the bigger contributor to the region’s economy.

While tourism has always been a key part of the city’s lifeblood, the diversifying economy means the manufacturing sector is fast catching up to the tourism sector and the professions and services industry.

Construction and property still top the list of contributors to the Gold Coast economy, with the construction sector adding $3.6 billion in GVA (gross value added) to the economy.

Tourism and professional services are joint third, with both adding $2.9 billion to the regional gross value added.

Manufacturing is now a close fourth, adding $2.7 billion and employing almost 20,000 people. Manufacturing is now a significant export earner for the city, delivering luxury yachts, mining equipment, LED technology, car accessories, and healthcare products to the world.

The northern corridor, including the Coomera Marine Precinct and the Yatala Enterprise Area, is now the industrial engine room of the city. The 3300-hectare Yatalia precinct alone is home to some of Australia’s leading manufacturers, including Carlton & United Breweries, Visy, Real Pet Food Company, and Caterpillar.

Gold Coast manufacturers are also investing in advanced manufacturing capabilities through robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. This includes the manufacture of Ryan Aerospace’s helicopter simulators and large-scale casino LED displays from Simtech.