Printing industry capital expenditure for 2005-2006 is likely to be in the vicinity of  $604 million - $733 million. For the 12 months to September 2005, the industry spent some $706 million - a rise of 38 per cent over the previous year.

The figures are confirmed in the September 2005 quarter private capital expenditure data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Australia wide trend data shows that total new capital expenditure rose by 5.1 per cent during the September 2005 quarter to be 22.2 per cent higher than the same period a year ago. A breakdown of the figures shows buildings and structures grew by 5.0 per cent for the quarter and by 26.3 per cent compared to the same period 12 months ago. The reported increases for equipment, plant and machinery were 4.5 per cent and 19.8 per cent respectively.

While in seasonally adjusted terms new investments in equipment, plant and machinery declined slightly during the September quarter, the year on year increase was a solid 19.8 per cent.

The spectacular outcomes reported by the printing, publishing and recorded media industry show that compared to the June 2005 quarter, total capital expenditure was reported to have increased by 18.6 per cent and by 46.6 per cent compared to September quarter 2004.

Looking at industry projections and forecasts, more than $500 million of capital expenditure plans are in the pipeline for the next nine months. Depending how much the expectations are realised - total new capital expenditure for the 2005-2006 financial year could range between $604 million to $733 million.

Printing Industries Manager Industry and Commercial Policy, Hagop Tchamkertenian, said the ABS data confirms Printing Industries' internal research over an extended period.

"Our Printing Industry Trends reports have consistently shown that capital expenditure outcomes and expectations continue to remain positive despite challenging business conditions being reported by the industry," he said.

"We have the situation where despite reported deterioration in key economic indicators such as production and sales, the industry continues to invest and capital expenditure expectations continue to remain strong."

To access the September 2005 quarter ABS capital expenditure data click on the following link.