The Australian manufacturing sector is at a critical juncture, with businesses facing significant challenges such as rising energy costs, disrupted supply chains, and a growing skills gap. Despite these pressures, there is a wealth of opportunity available. 

Join Brookfield Properties and Cardinia Business Park, brought to you by Colliers and JLL for an exclusive event where industry leaders will dissect the current landscape and future of Made in Australia.

They will unpack the energy and cost pressures affecting the sector and explore how these challenges can be turned into growth opportunities.

“The industrial market is on the cusp of a secular change, with the Future Made in Australia Plan providing a tailwind for the manufacturing sector. We’re seeing similar trends in other mature economies, with organisations onshoring some of their manufacturing capabilities to reduce supply chain risk and meet customer expectations.” Said Andrew Ballentyne, Managing Director - NSW, Head of Research – Australia JLL. 

This event brings together some of the most influential voices in Australian manufacturing. Andrew Ballentyne, one of the country’s leading researchers, will provide a detailed overview of the shifts taking place both locally and globally. His insights will highlight the key trends shaping the future of Australian manufacturing and the broader industrial & logistics landscape.

“The manufacturing sector has rebounded from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but new pressures have emerged. Supply chain fragility, rising energy costs, and a growing skills gap are now among the top concerns. Supply chain vulnerabilities remain a critical issue, with delays in essential materials driving a nearshoring and onshoring trend. This shift has significantly increased enquiry levels from these occupiers, making future development tailored to their needs more critical than ever.” Mentioned, James Stott, National Director, Industrial & Logistics Colliers. 

Joining Andrew is a panel of experts who will discuss the real-world experience in driving growth and tackling these issues in the industrial & logistics sector. Panellists include Helen Tobin King, Regional Director, East and Southeastern Melbourne Metro Region at Invest Victoria, Jack Bull, Director, New Business at Texco and Kevin Smaller, Managing Director at Southern Steel Group of Companies. 

The discussion will be moderated by Richard Phillips, Head of Supply Chain Australia & New Zealand at JLL, who will ensure an insightful and focused conversation on the pressing issues affecting today’s manufacturing and logistics professionals.

“Southeast based manufacturers and light assembly uses have become more active in acquiring space compared to more generic warehousing uses. Since 2021, they have grown from a 7.8% total leasing market share to a 35% share as of 2025 YTD.” Said, Gordon Code, National Director, Industrial & Logistics Colliers.  

“The development of our manufacturing industry faces critical challenges: increasing energy costs, rising operational expenses, and skilled workforce shortages. This event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to directly tackle these issues. Our goal is to forge solutions that will build a more resilient and competitive future for Australia's manufacturing sector.” Added Lachlan Ferguson, Director, Industrial & Logistics JLL. 

Taking place on Wednesday 2^nd April 2025 at Woodlands Gold Course in Mordialloc, this event is a must-attend event for industrial & logistics professionals who want to gain the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the changing landscape of Australian manufacturing.

Brought to you by Colliers and JLL and made possible by Principal Sponsors Cardina Logistics Estate and Brookfield Properties, who are committed to driving growth and innovation within the sector. 

Reach out to the experts for more information or to secure a spot at this market leading event.