Investing in Queensland's defence industry

Queensland is a premier defence industry destination for the Asia-Pacific region. There are many opportunities for defence-related businesses to set up in Queensland, and there is strong Queensland Government support for the industry.

  • centre for Australian defence aviation and aerospace capability
  • centre for Australian rotary wing (helicopter) capability
  • developing hub for research and development (R&D) of defence-related technologies including uncrewed systems
  • national hub for heavy vehicle manufacture and sustainment
  • prime location for Australian Defence Force (ADF) training and testing of new technologies.

Queensland is the second largest ADF employer in Australia with 27.8% of ADF personnel residing in the state. Queensland is home to:

  • 2 of Australia's 3 Army combat brigades
  • the Army Aviation Centre, Oakey
  • Australia's largest Army base, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville
  • RAAF Base Amberley, the largest military air base in Australia
  • HMAS Cairns
  • the ADF's premier training facility at Shoalwater Bay in Central Queensland, with the new Greenvale Training Area under development in North Queensland.

Watch the video on Queensland: Australia's next-generation defence supplier.

Advantages of bringing a defence business to Queensland

As Australia's front line for defence industries, Queensland has the reliable infrastructure and skilled workforce that can benefit your defence business. There are many advantages to bringing your defence business to Queensland.

Accessible locations

Strong logistics support is provided for the major Australian Defence Force (ADF) bases in Queensland, including a strong road and rail network. Queensland is also strategically located as Australia's gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.

A growing number of international companies are establishing headquarters or operations in Queensland thanks to our strong manufacturing industry expertise in defence domains including:

  • aviation and aerospace
  • electronics
  • maintenance, repair, overhaul and sustainment of air, land and sea assets
  • heavy engineering and fabrication
  • research and development
  • autonomous systems
  • education and training
  • vehicle construction.

These sectors are well supported by a network of clustered smaller companies, physical infrastructure, and sophisticated education and training facilities.

Low business costs

Businesses in Queensland enjoy many advantages, including low set-up and running costs. For example, Queensland can offer your business or investment:

  • low business taxes (including the lowest rate of payroll tax in Australia)
  • economical commercial and industrial property costs
  • competitive utility costs
  • low office rental costs
  • low workers' compensation premiums.

Infrastructure and facilities

Queensland has reliable infrastructure and a commitment to further development.

Read about specific facilities supporting the air, land and sea defence sectors.

Workforce

The Queensland Government is committed to helping new and emerging industries, and traditional industries, to train, retain and attract qualified staff and upgrade their workforce skills base to remain globally competitive.

A number of programs and educational facilities support our growing defence sector. This ensures Queensland's highly-skilled workforce is evolving to meet changing defence industry needs.

Research and development (R&D)

The Queensland Government's commitment to innovation is delivered in collaboration with:

  • leading research organisations such as CSIRO and the Defence Science and Technology Group
  • universities, including the Queensland Defence Science Alliance
  • technology diffusion agencies such as QMI Solutions
  • industry.

Read more about innovation in Queensland's defence industries and other examples of innovation, research and development in Queensland.

Economic growth

Queensland's economic growth is forecast to strengthen to 3% in both 2023–24 and 2024–25.

Queensland Government support

The Queensland Government recognises defence as a priority industry and seeks to position the state as a premier defence destination for the Asia-Pacific region.

Contact Defence Jobs Queensland for more information about how the Queensland Government can help your business.

Also consider...

  • Last reviewed: 4 Jul 2024
  • Last updated: 4 Jul 2024