Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Facility Opens, Aims to Produce 100 Million Doses a Year

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The first COVID-19 mRNA manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere is now open in Victoria, Australia, backed by the state and federal Labor governments.

The new mRNA manufacturing facility aims to produce up to 100 million vaccine doses per year for COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). However, their production is still subject to regulatory approval.

Health Minister Mark Butler and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan opened what they described as a cutting-edge facility at Monash University’s Clayton campus.

Moderna’s Australia operations will create 140 highly skilled direct jobs and up to 500 jobs during construction.

The government says the new facility will “turbocharge” the growth of Australia’s sovereign mRNA manufacturing industry.

“The Southern Hemisphere’s only mRNA manufacturing facility has opened in Victoria—backed by the Australian and Victorian governments—ensuring world-class mRNA vaccines and medicines can be made in Australia and creating hundreds of jobs,” the government said.

“The opening of Moderna’s manufacturing facility in Victoria makes Australia one of very few countries in the world, and the only country in the Southern Hemisphere, with an end-to-end mRNA manufacturing capability.”

Allan said she was proud her state was making vaccines that Australia and the world could rely on going forward.

“This is exactly what economic growth looks like: more investment, more jobs and more opportunity for all,” she said.

“There are now three world-leading centres of medical research—Boston, London, and Victoria.”

The government said that subject to regulatory approval, the Moderna facility would produce its first mRNA vaccines in 2025.

Butler described the facility as a major step forward to protect Australians against “future pandemics.”

“COVID taught us how important it is to have the capability to manufacture the latest vaccines here in Australia,” he said.

He said the facility would create highly skilled jobs, support local industry, and promote research collaboration.

Meanwhile, acting Economic Growth Minister Danny Pearson added, “We’ll never have to fight to get our fair share of vaccines again because the Southern Hemisphere’s first end-to-end mRNA vaccine facility has opened in Victoria—setting a new benchmark in innovation and economic growth.

“Our economy is booming, and this new facility ensures our momentum continues as we deliver a strong pipeline of investment and good jobs across the state.”

Libertarians Raise Concerns

However, newly minted Libertarian Party member Craig Kelly, who is planning to run for the Senate, raised concerns about the new facility in a post to X on Dec. 7.

“Around the world, everyday more medical professionals are calling for the suspension of the mRNA vaccines. But in Australia, the government has partnered with Moderna and they are ”celebrating“ the opening of a mRNA vaccine factory in Melbourne,” he said.

“With an election around the corner, the government would rather put Australians’ health at risk, than lose the publicity from opening the new mRNA factory.”

New South Wales Libertarian MP John Ruddick explained why he didn’t take the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and raised concerns about the state government continuing to push it.

“It was rushed. It was coerced. It was an experimental new type of vac—mRNA,” he said on Dec. 4.

“Experiment failed, but rather than self-reflect, the big state is doubling down.”

Moderna ‘Proud’ of Landmark Facility to Produce Vaccines

Moderna Australia and New Zealand general manager Michael Azrak said the opening was a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and dedication.

“We are grateful to the Australian and Victorian governments who have been pivotal in bringing this to fruition,” he said.

“I’m incredibly proud that Moderna has been able to deliver this landmark facility to produce vaccines in Australia for Australians, a significant investment into the country’s biosecurity by our company.”

Meanwhile, Moderna Chief Legal Officer Shannon Klinger said the company was committed to enhancing public health infrastructure.

“And this facility exemplifies how our technology can support public health resilience in Australia and beyond,” he said.

“The MTC-M represents the first commercial-scale end-to-end mRNA manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere.

“We look forward to delivering innovative science and comprehensive public health solutions from our operations in this country, advancing healthcare for Australians and the region.”