Local economic opportunities

The Queensland State Development Regional Office Network aims to assist regional councils, industry and communities with local industry development and economic growth opportunities.

Programs and support

There are programs and support initiatives available for Queensland local governments, businesses and industry.

    • Biofutures industry information provides industry insights to support the development and manufacturing of innovative products from sustainable resources.
    • Sovereign Industry Development Fund will work with industry on strategic partnership opportunities that will accelerate industry development in priority industries – defence, biomedical and biofuels. Seeking applications from industry on significant, catalytic projects that are ready to start.

    • Sovereign Industry Development Fund will work with industry on strategic partnership opportunities that will accelerate industry development in priority industries – defence, biomedical and biofuels. Seeking applications from industry on significant, catalytic projects that are ready to start.
    • Defence Industry Development Grants Program will fund small to medium enterprises to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority and national security. Four funding streams are available: Sovereign Industrial Priorities; Exports; Security; and Skilling. The closing dates for the current batches range from 30 June 2025 to 31 August 2025 depending on the stream.
    • Defence Jobs Queensland provides information on how Queensland businesses can become ‘defence-ready’, enabling them to access state, national and global defence supply chain opportunities.

    • Cyber Wardens Cyber Security Training provides free online courses and learning for small business owners and employees funded by the Australian Government.
    • Digital Solutions Program helps small businesses to adapt and flourish through the adoption of digital business tools that can improve productivity, effectiveness, and aid business growth. Regional Business HQ is the Queensland delivery partner and the Regional Business HQ Online Series provides workshops on digital topics including how to use AI to improve marketing; cyber security; digital design; streamlining your business with AI.
    • Cyber security online resources are available addressing information security management and the new edition of ISO 27001, the internationally used system for keeping businesses cyber secure.
    • Free ‘Munch and Learn’ digital workshops in Kuranda and Mareeba delivered by the State Library of Queensland provide hands-on learning to help small businesses build digital capability and explore new ways to grow. Session series run weekly from 16 June 2025 to 16 March 2026.

    • Grid Enhancing Technologies program provides up to $5 million funding to accelerate the uptake and deployment of grid enhancing technologies on Australia's electricity networks. Opens 15 July 2025, closes 11 August 2025.
    • Powering the Regions Industrial Transformation Stream Round 2 will support projects ranging from feasibility studies and front-end engineering and design to trials, demonstrations and deployment, in the following focus areas: innovation in industrial decarbonisation, and advancing commercial deployment. Closes 15 July 2025.
    • Solar Sunshot supports innovative solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facilities in Australia across the solar supply chain. Round 1B full applications for Solar PV Manufacturing Studies (feasibility studies and FEED) close 12 November 2025.
    • Hydrogen Headstart Round 2 will support large-scale renewable hydrogen production projects. Form to register interest is available.
    • Regional Microgrids Program supports the development and deployment of microgrid technologies across regional and remote communities in Australia. Closes 19 December 2025.
    • Research and Development Tax Incentive helps companies innovate and grow by offsetting some of the costs of eligible research and development.
    • Product Stewardship for Oil Program provides financial benefit for businesses that recycle oil or use recycled oil in their operations.
    • Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme earns Australian carbon credit units for every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent stored or avoided through adopting new practices and technologies.
    • Graphite Research and Development (R&D) Grant supports businesses to collaborate with CSIRO on innovative R&D projects, driving the development of cutting-edge technologies and processes essential for natural graphite production, especially for battery applications.

    • First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program aims to empower mature First Nations’ businesses to pursue innovation and to scale and grow, offering grants and advisory services.
    • Small Business Development Program is designed for operating Indigenous businesses ready to scale and create community impact. Includes the provision of tailored and structured expert business support for up to 3 years, and possible loans to support growth initiatives.
    • Export Readiness Webinar Series for First Nations Businesses to be held on 16 July 2025, delivered by the Export Council of Australia. Numbers are limited and preference will be given to businesses in the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa area.
    • Invoice Finance provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses with cash flow support to grow their business.

    • Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme aims to reduce the amount of freight costs that are passed on to consumers of eligible goods in remote communities. Applications for Establishment Assistance close 12 January 2026. Discount Assistance and Compliance Assistance streams are open to 2028.
    • Driving the Nation Program the Trucks, Charging and Innovation focus area is currently open, supporting demonstration and deployment of heavy vehicles, charging solutions and other innovation supporting uptake of battery electric vehicles.
    • Community Road Safety Grants provides funding to deliver road safety education initiatives.

    • Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program offers funding of up to $50 million to deliver infrastructure projects within regional precincts in partnership with local stakeholders to benefit regional communities. Updated guidelines have extended the program to 30 June 2027.

    • Secure Communities Partnership Grants aims to protect small and family businesses from crime and economic losses, through the installation of vital safety and security infrastructure, creating safer public commercial precincts and business strips and improving the operating environment for small and family businesses across Queensland. Local councils can apply for grants of up to $400,000 in round 1. Applications close 11 July 2025.
    • Local Government Battery Collection Program supports the expansion of battery disposal collection points and facilitate safe disposal of problem batteries. Closes 10 July 2025.
    • urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP): stream one (precinct development and planning) provides up to $5 million in funding to develop a precinct idea through to investment-ready stage. Stream two (precinct delivery) provides up to $50 million in funding to deliver elements of a precinct.
    • Let’s Get it Sorted Partnership Program provides funding for groups of geographically aligned Queensland councils, or lead councils for a Queensland region, to engage a behaviour change coordinator to develop and deliver waste education and behaviour change intervention activities for households.
    • Snapshot Climate tool provides greenhouse gas emissions profiles for Australian councils (local government areas), regions, federal electorates, states and territories which are free to download.

    • CSIRO ON Prime free nine-week program helps research teams take projects at any stage of their project across all disciplines, to the next level through customer discovery and market validation activities. Applications close 4 July 2025.
    • CSIRO ON Accelerate free three-month commercialisation acceleration program for researchers ready to translate their idea into a research-driven company. Expressions of interest are now open, with full applications due to open mid 2025.
    • Green Metals Innovation Network will connect researchers and industry to advance the development of green metal production in Australia.
    • Innovate to Grow - Healthcare Innovation provides SMEs access to expert facilitators, research guidance, a self-paced learning platform, guest speakers and networking opportunities. Applications to this free 8-week online program close 13 July 2025.

Queensland Government initiatives and resources

Search Queensland Government initiatives and strategies.

Category Action or strategy
Agriculture Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit assists landholders respond to and negotiate with energy industry representatives about accessing land and developing renewable energy projects.
Agriculture Queensland Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap 2022-2032 will assist Queensland agribusinesses and the broader supply chain to lower their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without impacting the supply of food and fibre.
Agriculture Farm Business Resilience Planning provides access to training and assists in preparing a farm management plan.
Agriculture Farm Management Grants Program offers primary producers a 50 per cent rebate on the cost of eligible professional advice up to a maximum $2,500 to produce a Farm Business Resilience Plan for their property.
Agriculture Drought Preparedness Grants Scheme offer up to $50,000 as a co-contribution grant to assist primary producers undertake on-farm capital improvements to improve drought preparedness.
Agriculture AgTech Roadmap aims to drive technological innovation in the sector.
Agriculture Agriculture Sector Adaptation Plan highlights adaptation activities and considers gaps and barriers to climate risk management and adaptation in the sector.
Agriculture Queensland Agriculture and Food Research, Development and Extension 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan provides support for sectoral innovation and the development of agri-technology.
Business Decarbonisation of the Great Barrier Reef Island Program worked with island resorts and communities to develop operations for decarbonisation.
Business Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts Rejuvenation program delivers ‘greening’ initiatives to improve sustainability practices.
Business ecoBiz works with more than 1,100 small to medium enterprises to improve resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and lower their operating costs.
Communities Decarbonising Remote Communities program provides support to Doomadgee, Mapoon, Pormpuraaw and the Northern Peninsula Area to install renewable energy systems and reduce diesel power. This program is now completed.
Communities Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North-West Minerals Province has actions to facilitate the resource sector development, diversify the region’s economy to create job opportunities, and deliver integrated services for businesses and community.
Communities Communities in Transition Pilot Program is assisting six Queensland communities to navigate global transitions for long-term viability and sustainability.
Communities Queensland Climate Resilient Councils works with Queensland local governments to deliver services and products to strengthen staff and leadership skills and capacity to plan for and respond to the challenges and opportunities arising from climate change.
Communities Regional Economic Futures Fund supports communities in seizing industry development opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.
Construction Zero Net Emissions 2050 Buildings Plan includes:
  • developing building-related strategies to deliver commitments in the Queensland Climate Transition Strategy
  • develop Queensland Development Codes to provide appropriate standards for green roofs and green walls and to guide maintenance of the energy efficiency features in commercial buildings
  • drive the national agenda to improve the sustainability performance of new privately-owned dwellings and commercial buildings by updating the National Construction Code.
Construction Brisbane 2032 Climate Positive Olympic and Paralympic Games preparation including information on the sustainability strategies for a climate positive Games.
Construction Infrastructure Sustainability Council conduct mandatory assessment of major project sustainability.
Construction Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council's Building Code Energy Performance Trajectory Project aims to reduce stress on the electricity network, offering bill savings, supporting a least-cost pathway to a zero carbon built environment, and improving health and resilience outcomes for households and businesses.
Construction Queensland Building Plan guides policy and legislation to create a safer, fairer and more sustainable construction industry.
Energy Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Roadmap (PDF) lays out a framework to support communities and the environment and strategically connect around 22 gigawatts of new grid-scale renewable energy in 12 potential locations across Queensland.
Energy Powering Queensland Plan guides the state through the short-term and long-term challenges facing Australia's energy markets. This includes the Renewables 400 program which identified best projects to increase the state’s renewable energy supply and deliver 400 MW of new renewable energy and storage projects through the state.
Energy Solar Farm Guidelines - Renewable energy project planning and approvals is a practical guidelines for communities, landholders and project proponents and provides guidance to developers on planning, designing, and constructing solar farms in Queensland
Energy Renewable energy project planning and approvals site provides links and guidance for development of renewable energy projects (solar and wind). Includes link to Solar Farm Guidelines: Guidance for local governments (pdf)
Energy Queensland Battery Industry Strategy provides an outline of support for the development, manufacture and deployment of new energy storage technologies in Queensland.
EnergyBattery Supply Chain Database will assist battery technology companies identify national business and supply chain opportunities to support domestic production.
EnvironmentQueensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020–2030 supports the growth, better management and sustainability of the state’s protected areas, including extraordinary national parks and private protected areas.
Environment Land Restoration Fund will expand carbon farming in Queensland by supporting land management projects that not only keep carbon in the ground, but also deliver positive impacts or ‘co-benefits’ for our environment and communities.
AgricultureDrought and Climate Adaptation Program helps producers better manage drought and climate impacts, with research, development and extension projects facilitated by the Queensland Drought Mitigation Centre.
AgricultureLong Paddock provides climate science resources to support the agriculture sector to improve decision-making in a variable and changing climate.
Environment Queensland Future Climate Dashboard provides climate projection data and other risk assessment resources for the agriculture sector.
Environment Vegetation management legislation has increased the proception of high-value regrowth and remnant vegetation.
Industry developmentRegional Economic Futures Fund will support communities seize industry development opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.
Industry development Queensland Mining Equipment, Technology and Services 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan supports growth of the sector.
Industry development Queensland new-industry development strategy supports seizing the opportunities that global decarbonisation brings for Queensland.
Industry development Queensland Hydrogen Investor Toolkit - Resources to assist investors planning to undertake hydrogen project developments in Queensland. Hydrogen industry development site provides information of the Queensland Hydrogen Strategy and development fund
Manufacturing Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan provides an integrated approach to positioning Queensland as a leader in advanced manufacturing and to capture the opportunities associated with Industry 4.0.
Manufacturing Queensland manufacturing hubs provide a place for local manufacturing businesses to receive expert advice and support to transition to advanced manufacturing.
Renewable energy developmentQueensland Energy and Jobs Plan: Community Partnerships and Enabling Frameworks provides an update of the initiatives and support for Queensland’s energy transformation.
Renewable energy developmentQueensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund Designed to increase Government Owned Corporations' ownership of commercial renewable energy and hydrogen projects (and supporting infrastructure). Projects may be in partnership with private sector companies.
Renewable energy development ARENA Microgrid Pilots program supports pilot demonstrations of microgrid technologies in rural and regional Australia. Supports feasible projects that demonstrate solutions to technical, regulatory or commercial barriers to the deployment of microgrid technologies.
Renewable energy developmentRenewable energy project planning and approvals site provides links and guidance for development of renewable energy projects (solar and wind). Includes link to Solar Farm Guidelines: Guidance for local governments.
Renewable energy developmentClimate action for Business and Industry provides a guide to actions a business can take to increase profitability and capitalise on future opportunities and become more sustainable and manage climate risk
Renewable energy developmentQueensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy and Hydrogen Taskforce to support the development, production, consumption and export of hydrogen from Queensland.
Renewable energy development Implementing the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP) which will include:
Renewable energy developmentQueensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan provides Queensland’s vision for the sector as well as providing industry insights and achievements.
Renewable energy developmentQueensland Biofuels mandate sets out minimum requirements for the sale of biobased petrol and biobased diesel.
Resources Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan supports new economy minerals, circular economy in mining and the development of Queensland’s battery industry strategy.
Resources New Economy Minerals Initiative:
  • invests in exploration activities to improve the scientific understanding of geosciences data needed by industry to locate and define mineral deposits
  • includes a partnership with UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute to develop sustainable methods of extracting rare earth elements.
  • includes how circular economy principles can be applied in mining.
Resources Bowen Basin Gas Pipeline concept study to reduce fugitive emissions in the coal sector.
Resources Collaborative Exploration Initiative provides funding for new exploration programs.
Resources Queensland Mining Equipment, Technology and Services 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan provides a vision for the sector’s growth, with a focus on collaboration and opportunities to bring innovative ideas to market, with $8 million worth of initiatives.
Resources Queensland Resource Industry Development Plan provides a vision to shift the resources industry into recognising the global shift to a low carbon economy.
Skills and trainingTradies for the Transition (PDF) is Queensland’s renewable energy attraction and retention strategy.
Skills and trainingHydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap 2022-2032 prepares Queenslanders to participate in hydrogen opportunities and ensure the industry can access the workers it needs.
Skills and trainingAdvanced Manufacturing Skills: A Skills, Training and Workforce Development Strategy for the Advanced Manufacturing Industry in Queensland supports the development workforce skills in the sector.
Skills and trainingManufacturing Skills Queensland was established through the Future Skills Fund to support current and new manufacturing workers.
Skills and trainingAdvanced Manufacturing Gateway to Industry Schools project. Partnership with the Queensland Manufacturing Institute.
Skills and training Queensland's Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap provides direction to further develop Queensland's highly skilled workforce to support the continued growth of the state's clean energy industry.
Skills and trainingVocational education and training programs provide targeted investment to assist industry and employers train and upskill their current and future workforce.
Transport Zero Emission Vehicle strategy and Action Plan sets out initiatives to be progressed over the next 2 years to increase zero emission vehicle uptake across Queensland communities, businesses, and government fleets.
Transport The Future is Electric: Queensland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy will prepare for a transition to a greater uptake of EVs ensuring that Queensland is in the best position to capture the benefits and opportunities that these vehicles bring.
Transport Queensland Electric Super Highway connects electric vehicle drivers across our state and includes fast charging locations to a range of coastal and inland locations.
Transport Climate Change Risk Assessments for Infrastructure Projects expansion to improve the sustainability and climate resilience of transport infrastructure, through reducing whole-of-life emissions.
Transport Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure outlines the principals for planning electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Priority Development Areas in Qld, to support the selection of the right type of infrastructure at the right location.

Contact the LEO network

Get in touch with the State Development regional offices to learn about the economic opportunities available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The LEO network can:

    • be a key point of contact within government for renewable energy, decarbonisation and other regional opportunities
    • ensure regional stakeholders are kept informed on current government programs, policies and other initiatives
    • provide a mechanism to engage with the regions on key issues and coordinate potential whole of government support
    • facilitate communication between local stakeholders, agencies and all tiers of government
    • identify resources, policy changes and regulatory frameworks required to seize opportunities and manage risks
    • identify major projects and diversification opportunities and provide investment facilitation and local supply chain support

  • The LEO network is part of existing departmental delivery for regional offices and not subject to additional resources or discrete funding arrangements.

    It will improve whole of government coordination and information dissemination relating to industry and regional development. The network can assist you by navigating the support available and providing you with the most relevant information.

  • This webpage is updated regularly as new information becomes available, providing details of current funding programs, government initiatives and case studies.  In addition the LEO network officer for your region can provide you with specific support to navigate the information available.

Further resources

Last updated: 08 Jul 2025