Why Queensland

As Australia’s fastest-growing state, Queensland offers a stable and competitive environment for defence investment. Supported by a skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure, abundant energy and natural resources, Queensland provides a strong foundation for defence, aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.

Queensland’s nationally significant defence industry contributes approximately $1.25 billion to the state’s economy each year and is supported by a growing network of defence primes, small and medium enterprises, research organisations and advanced manufacturers.

National defence capability

Queensland is a critical enabler of the nation’s Defence strategy. It’s home to about 42% of Australia’s Army and 27% of the combined Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) permanent workforce, as well as major Defence bases such as Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks and RAAF Base Amberley. Queensland also hosts the largest concentration of Defence training areas in Australia, enabling year-round and diverse training environments.

Industry leadership

Defence Q utilises the combined experiences of three Strategic Defence Advisors with strong connections to Defence and the defence industry. They provide high-level advice to the Queensland Government on identifying and attracting strategic project opportunities to our state. Queensland’s strategic defence advisors are:·

• Rear Admiral Simon Cullen AM CSC (Ret’d)
• Brigadier Mick Say DSC (Ret’d)
• Air Vice-Marshal Neil Hart AM (Ret’d)

Read more on the Defence Q Strategic Defence Advisors.

Existing capabilities

Queensland’s existing defence industry capabilities cover a broad range of design, manufacturing, sustainment and maintenance services.

Queensland builds, maintains, repairs, overhauls and upgrades defence assets with capability to support future demand across:

• fixed or rotary wing aircraft
• maritime and littoral vessels
• armoured vehicles and tanks
• heavy haulage trailers.

View more information on Queensland’s existing industry capabilities.

Gateway to the Indo-Pacific

Queensland is positioned at the gateway to the Indo-Pacific, connecting regions to domestic and international markets. The increasing focus on the leadership role Australia can play in this region makes Queensland the natural staging point for regional Defence activities.

This access provides a compelling foundation for international partnerships and industry growth.

Regional industrial strength

Queensland stands out as one of Australia’s most decentralised states. More than half of its population live outside the capital city. This distinctive geographic distribution supports a network of regional centres with integrated road, rail and port infrastructure that strengthens supply chains and export channels.

Major regional centres and cities (such as Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Maryborough, Toowoomba and the south-east comer) provide essential support to the Australian Defence Force and the Defence industry. Their strategic locations, advanced infrastructure and established industry capabilities make them indispensable for maintaining the Australian Defence Force’s operational readiness, strengthening supply chains and driving regional economic activity.

Skilled workforce

Queensland offers access to a highly skilled workforce including engineers, tradespeople, researchers, manufacturers and Australia’s largest veteran population.

Our workforce covers mining, manufacturing, construction, engineering and infrastructure development, transport and logistics.

Project facilitation

Defence Q gives defence investors a clear and coordinated pathway into government, providing access to strategic connections, project support and investment opportunities across Queensland

This support is complemented by targeted government initiatives, including the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, which is helping strengthen sovereign industrial capability.

Queensland offers a unique and mature regulatory environment and deep industry expertise in the approval and operation of Major Hazard Facilities.

This provides investors with clear approval pathways, established regulatory frameworks and access to a range of suitable industrial precincts, significantly reducing development risk and increasing certainty when selecting a Queensland location

To find out how Queensland can meet your needs contact the Defence Q team at defenceq@dsdip.qld.gov.au