Queensland implements new manufacturing grants and critical minerals laws

Queensland is implementing several initiatives to bolster its manufacturing and resources sectors. The state government has awarded $12.5 million in grants to 18 manufacturers through the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grant Program. This funding aims to support advanced equipment and productivity, with 11 recipients located in regional areas. The projects are expected to create over 300 new jobs and upskill more than 550 workers across industries such as food, construction, and medical supplies.

In the resources sector, new legislation has been passed to accelerate investment in critical minerals. The State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 allows certain projects to be declared State Strategic Projects to streamline approvals while maintaining protections for landholders and agricultural land. Renewable energy and data center projects are excluded from this specific designation.

Additionally, the CSIRO has opened applications for its ‘Innovate to Grow (Queensland): Digital Technologies and AI’ program. This initiative supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in exploring research and development in fields such as artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, cybersecurity, and robotics.