Discover why the Brisbane City-Region represents the best of Australia.
4M $103.9B 2M people major infrastructure pipeline Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games additional residents by 2046
Acknowledgement
of Country
We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land of the Barunggam, Bigambul, Danggan Balun, Githabul, Jagera, Jinibara, Kabi Kabi, Quandamooka, Turrbal, Wakka Wakka, Yuggera Ugarapul people. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing connection to land, waters and culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
Australia’s future in the Asia Pacific Region
The Brisbane City-Region combines prosperity, scale, and diversity to deliver a stable platform for strong and enduring growth. Backed by a $103.9 billion major infrastructure pipeline, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games3.
Home to 4 million people1 in the State of Queensland, Australia. The Brisbane City-Region is Australia’s closest major commercial centre to the Asia Pacific Region offering direct access to global markets, a vibrant and growing multicultural population, and a lifestyle that ranks among the world’s best.
With an additional two million residents expected by 20462, and a young and highly skilled workforce, we are not only ready for growth – we are actively shaping it. Whether you’re seeking opportunities in emerging technologies, sustainable development or global supply chains, we offer a stable, high-value platform for long-term success.
With national leadership in advanced manufacturing, agritech, biomedical innovation, defence, and clean energy, we are defined by scale, resilience, and opportunity.
It’s no surprise global investors are increasingly choosing this vibrant regionwhere bold ambition meets strategic advantage.
Discover why the Brisbane City-Region represents the best of Australia and your future in the Asia Pacific.
Our place in the world
Key economic gateway and closest major commercial centre to the Asia-Pacific.
One of the most multicultural and linguistically diverse areas in Australia8
Two-thirds of the world’s population is within an 8-hour flight radius.
HONIARA
MUNDA PORT
TOKYO
JOHANNESBURG
CAPE TOWN
ABU
DUBAI
RIYADAH
Strength and stability
Australia’s economy is globally recognised for its strength and stability, underpinned by nearly three decades of uninterrupted growth - one of the longest expansions in modern history4.
A stable political system, transparent regulatory environment, and strong rule of law underpin Australia’s economic resilience - fostering investor confidence, enabling long-term growth, and positioning the nation as a trusted partner in global trade and investment5
MEXICO
SANTIAGO
Fast-growing and dynamic economy
supported by nation-leading long-term population and employment growth6 million plus residents by 2046.13
Access to major infrastructure pipeline
$103.9 billion over the next five years.14
Strategic location
market access to Asia, including China, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea, and Middle East.15
Skilled workforce
young, well-educated talent with a large foreign-born population.16
Second-fastest growth
in venture capital among global peer regions.17
Outstanding liveability
offering a high quality of life, long life expectancy, clean air, low crime, and over 300 days of sunshine each year.
• Midway through historic 40-year growth transition, with population doubling from 3 to 6 million residents18
• Fastest growth amongst global peer regions - past 20-year and forward 20-year outlook19.
• Governed by fewer, larger local governments with a strong record of collaboration - 12 local governments each serving an average of 330,000 residents, compared to a global peer average of 39 with around 160,000 residents each22.
By 2046
+2M additional residents
1M new jobs created
900K new homes built20
1-in-6 Australians to reside in the city-region21
We are growing to 6 million people
Somerset
Moreton Bay
Sunshine Coast
Scenic Rim
Logan
Lockyer Valley
Toowoomba
Noosa
Australia
Brisbane
Ipswich
Gold Coast Redland d
Planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games horizon
In 2014, the Mayors of South East Queensland ambitiously pursued the Olympic and Paralympic Games with a clear strategic vision centred on regionally significant benefits23:
“To raise awareness of our global identity and reputation, attract strategic investment to grow the economy, and accelerate the delivery of transport infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population”
Hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will profoundly shape our international reputation for the remainder of this century.
SPORTS IN
CITIES
More than a sporting event, it is a powerful catalyst for transforming the Brisbane CityRegion into a more connected, integrated, liveable, sustainable, and innovative place - delivering a lasting legacy for generations to come. We at the heart of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, hosting 33 competition and non-competition venues.
Competitive events will be staged across a dynamic footprint that includes Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Redland, Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba, showcasing the diversity, connectivity, and capability of the city-region.
$39.5 billion in additional Gross Regional Product (GRP) over 20 years24
7,800 average additional full-time equivalent jobs annually25
Major Public & Private Projects
$7.1B Games Venue Infrastructure Program
17 New and Upgraded Venues26 delivering Games to deliver
the largest infrastructure investment in Queensland’s history.
In early 2025, the Queensland Government launched its official delivery plan for the 2032 Games, outlining major transport infrastructure upgrades, the development of athlete villages, and 17 new or upgraded venues across the state.
Maroochydore Arena and Cultural Precinct* ($1 billion)
A planned world-class 7,000-seat venue at the heart of the new city centre, seamlessly integrating sport, entertainment, and cultural facilities with a 5-star hotel, athlete village, and public realm, establishing Maroochydore as a year-round destination for major events and community activation.
Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line ($12 billion)
The ‘Wave’ is a 37.8km dual-track heavy rail line linking Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, complemented by a metro-style service connecting to the Sunshine Coast Airport with Mountain Creek and the Maroochydore Central Business District (CBD), enhancing regional mobility and unlocking growth corridors.
Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail ($5.7 billion)
20 kilometres of new track, doubling the existing lines, nine station upgrades, and removal of five level crossings.
Brisbane Metro bus rapid transit ($1.3 billion)
Fully electric turn-up and go system along 21 kilometres of busway, plus planning for future expansion of BRT services across the north, east and south of the city-region.
Gabba Entertainment Precinct* ($2.5 billion)
A landmark 9-hectare urban renewal project set to transform Woolloongabba into a vibrant mixeduse entertainment precinct, including a 17,000seat indoor arena, featuring new housing, dining, public spaces, and upgraded public transport connections, located within 2 kilometres of the Brisbane CBD.
Brisbane Airport ($5 billion)
Undergoing its largest-ever transformation to modernise infrastructure, elevate the passenger experience, and prepare for future growth, including the addition of a third terminal, a complete redevelopment of the international terminal precinct, and major upgrades to the domestic terminal.
Bruce Highway ($9 billion)
Upgrades to improve capacity, resilience and safety along the key north–south transport corridor, supporting regional growth and faster freight and passenger movement.
Brisbane Stadium ($3.8 billion) – A 63,000-seat venue in Victoria Park that will serve as the main stadium for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, hosting athletics events and the opening and closing ceremonies.
Athlete Villages* located just 1.5km from the Brisbane CBD, the main Athlete Village for the Games will house over 15,000 athletes and officials before being repurposed into permanent housing to meet growing demand. Gold Coast Athlete Village will be located at Royal Pines Resort and is proposed to include a high-performance training facility and a master-planned residential development with diverse housing options.
Redland Whitewater Centre will be a major outdoor recreation and adventure tourism hub, offering whitewater sports, international events, and emergency response training. Located within the future Birkdale Community Precinct, it will feature a competition channel, easy river, lake, and inclusive facilities, providing lasting community benefits and boosting tourism to the Redlands.
Logan Indoor Sports Centre will meet the rising demand for indoor courts, delivering lasting benefits in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing areas. As an accessible, multisport venue, it will support greater participation in sports like basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball, and para-sports, while also attracting future events such as multi-day sporting competitions, conferences and conventions to the region.
Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre will become a new and flexible, multisport and events venue, boosting participation in activities like basketball, netball, volleyball, futsal, and para-sports. It will also host 10,000 spectators for events such as concerts, conferences, and trade shows, delivering long-term community and economic benefits.
Gold Coast Arena ($480 million) is an enclosed world-class entertainment and sports arena to host 12,000 to 15,000 spectators.
Venue upgrades, a suite of upgrades across the city-region is planned, including the National Aquatic Centre and Precinct, Queensland Tennis Centre, Anna Meares Velodrome, BMX Supercross Track, Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre, Brisbane International Shooting Centre, Gold Coast Hockey Centre, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Brisbane Showgrounds, and the Toowoomba Showgrounds.
*Queensland Government actively inviting private sector involvement
Room to grow for a region ready to host
We are undergoing major transformation, with significant investments in transport, entertainment, and world-class venues creating the foundations for a seamless, high-value visitor experience.
Queensland’s growing tourism demand is expected to require more than 40,000 additional hotel rooms by 204527, as the region scales up infrastructure to support a thriving visitor economy. This growth is forecast to double visitor expenditure to $84 billion. The Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 strategy reinforces this momentum, committing to collaborate closely with industry to deliver the right mix of infrastructure, attractions, and investment incentives to meet rising expectations and leave a lasting legacy.
strong rebound in international tourism, including business travel exceeding pre-pandemic benchmarks
The surge in hotel demand across the Brisbane City-Region is stimulated by:
improved air connection growing calendar of major events
resilient domestic markets, fuelled by steady population and migration growth
Despite this momentum, the hotel market remains underdeveloped across a range of offerings, including mixed-use, luxury, and resort offerings. There is also significant upside in repositioning and revitalising existing accommodation assets, increasing capacity and unlocking higher-value visitor experiences. With strong occupancy rates, rising room prices, limited new supply, and a supportive regulatory environment, the cityregion offers international investors a stable, growth-oriented platform for hotel development, underpinned by increasing demand in the lead-up to service the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A suite of initiatives and targeted incentives further enhances investment into tourism infrastructure.
Local governments are working closely with the hotel industry to understand the realities of development, responding with tailored policies and concierge-style services to enable successful investment and delivery.
Case Study
Sunshine Coast attracts high-quality hotel development under Council-led incentive.
A new 160-room upscale hotel has been approved in Caloundra, marking the first project to proceed under Sunshine Coast Council’s hotel investment incentive package program28. Featuring a rooftop bar, restaurant, retail, and an expected $29.5 million in annual visitor spend, it will create 422 construction jobs and 165 ongoing roles. The approval reflects strong investor confidence in the region’s growth, infrastructure pipeline, and tourism potential. Noosa Council recently approved a second five-star hotel development, boosting capacity for highspending visitors seeking a quality experience. The new resort is expected to employ 100 staff and contribute approximately $8.86 million annually in post-construction gross regional product29. This follows the earlier approval of Calile Noosa30, a new project by the acclaimed developers behind The Calile Brisbane - internationally celebrated as the 25th best hotel in the world and the top hotel in Oceania on the 2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels list31.
Home to unique expertise and key niches in global supply chains
Offering a dynamic and future-facing investment environment
With a strong foundation in globally competitive industries and a bold commitment to innovation. We are fast emerging as one of Asia-Pacific’s most attractive investment destinations. It presents a broad portfolio of growth sectors, supported by worldclass research institutions, skilled talent, enabling infrastructure, and strong publicprivate collaboration. Investors have access to a diverse portfolio of economic opportunities and sectoral strengths32, offering a dynamic range of investment opportunities in high-value and export-focused industries:
Established Competitive Advantages
Advanced Manufacturing
Home to a sophisticated, advanced manufacturing ecosystem specialising in high-performance materials, precision engineering, and additive manufacturing. With proximity to defence, aerospace, and clean energy supply chains, the city-region offers scalable investment opportunities in smart factories, automated systems, and next-generation industrial design.
Investment opportunities
• Biomedical devices and diagnostics
• Defence systems and vehicles
Turning waste into wealth –Australia’s largest ‘urban silver mine’
Logan
Pan Pacific Recycling is pioneering advanced resource recovery technologies to address looming global shortages in critical minerals. With an expected surge in decommissioned rooftop solar panels over the next decade, Australia faces both a challenge and an opportunity. The company’s Logan-based facility is deploying world-leading technology capable of recovering up to 99% of materials from end-of-life solar panels, including silver, copper, silicon, and aluminium. Currently processing 250,000 panels annually, plans are underway to double capacity to 500,000 panels per year. With an estimated 90 million solar panels already installed across Australia, and more added each day, Pan Pacific Recycling is positioned to become the nation’s largest source of recycled silver. The facility also supports carbon reduction goals and circular economy targets, making it a standout opportunity in clean-tech and sustainable advanced manufacturing.
• Food and beverage processing
• Energy systems and clean technology
Sovereign defence manufacturing and export hub
Ipswich | Investment: $170 million
Rheinmetall Defence Australia has put Ipswich and the Brisbane City-Region on the map as a national powerhouse in defence manufacturing with the launch of its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE). The facility has created over 650 high-skilled jobs and anchors the $5.2 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 program - the largest and most complex capability acquisition in Australian Army history. Located in the South West Industrial Corridor, MILVEHCOE is a cutting-edge hub for advanced military production and global export. It sits at the heart of a high-tech defence corridor stretching from eastern ports to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley, offering unmatched access to worldclass industrial capabilities. The city-region is also home to global defence leaders, including Boeing Defence Australia, Elbit Systems, Harris Corporation, and Raytheon - driving collaboration, innovation, and sovereign capability in robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced materials.
Established Competitive Advantages
Biomedical Innovation & Health
Rapidly emerging as a global hub for biomedical innovation and advanced healthcare, underpinned by world-class research institutions, state-of-the-art health infrastructure, and a growing commercialisation pipeline. The city-region is at the forefront of developing next-generation medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and health services, offering significant opportunities for investment, partnerships, and clinical trials.
Investment opportunities
• RNA and mRNA therapeutics
• Medical devices and wearable tech
Global healthcare leader invests in translational science hub
Brisbane | Investment: $280 million
The Brisbane City-Region is emerging as a global hub for mRNA vaccine innovation following the establishment of the world-first Translational Science Hub - a groundbreaking public-private partnership between Sanofi, the Queensland State Government, Griffith University, and the University of Queensland, two leading global institutions based in the city-region. This landmark investment is the only centre of its kind in Australia, directly linking local researchers with Sanofi’s global mRNA Centres of Excellence in France and the U.S. It positions the city-region at the cutting edge of nextgeneration biomedical innovation and global vaccine development. The hub will create up to 200 high-skill jobs, supercharge biomanufacturing and supply chains, and fast-track the commercialisation of breakthrough research through global partnerships. The hub focuses on mRNA technology and is a revolutionary platform reshaping modern medicine with the potential to combat infectious diseases, cancer, and chronic conditions.
Home to the largest health ecosystem in the Southern Hemisphere
33
• Personalised medicine and genomics
• Digital health
Established
Competitive Advantages
Agriculture & Food Innovation
Driven by a unique combination of climatic diversity (from coastal to hinterland and inland areas), research excellence, advanced logistics, strong domestic demand and proximity to Asia-Pacific markets. We are supporting investment in sustainable agriculture, food processing, and nutraceuticals. Technology-enabled supply chains, biosecurity credentials, and clean and green branding make this sector globally competitive. This sector is globally competitive, future-focused, and export-ready - offering investors and innovators a dynamic environment to scale solutions in sustainable production, advanced processing, and agritech commercialisation. Strong collaboration between industry, research, and government creates a fertile ground for future food systems. Key commodities in the city-region include:
Investment opportunities
• Plant genetics and breeding
• Sustainable farming practices
• Food traceability and safety
• Alternative proteins and nutraceutical
Strategically located between Toowoomba and Ipswich, Lockyer Valley is recognised as one of the top ten most fertile farming regions in the world - a cornerstone of the nation’s food security, supplying 95% of Australia’s winter vegetables and 40% of Queensland’s total fruit and vegetables34 .
First circular agricultural precinct turns waste into power and prosperity
Scenic Rim | Investment: $291 million
In a national first, Kalfresh Vegetables is powering a bold new future for agrifood innovation with the Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct (SRAIP)
- a game-changing circular economy hub that transforms agricultural waste into renewable energy, bio-products, and high-value inputs. At its core is a cutting-edge bioenergy facility capable of processing up to 388,000 tonnes of waste annually - generating clean electricity, pipeline-grade natural gas, and nutrient-rich biofertilizer. That’s enough energy to replace 26,000 truck trips from Brisbane to Sydney each year, while cutting emissions equivalent to planting over seven million trees. By bringing advanced manufacturing back to the Scenic Rim, the precinct shifts the region from raw commodity production to premium food, beverage, and fibre processing. It’s a blueprint for sustainable rural development - boosting resilience, unlocking new markets, and proving that agri-industrial innovation can drive real economic development in regional and rural transformation in Queensland.
Global reputation for high-quality, innovative, and sustainable food systems
Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba And Brisbane Investment: $500 million (cumulative)
Australia Country Choice (ACC) is a vertically integrated agribusiness with extensive operations across the city-region, supporting over 1,500 jobs. As one of Australia’s largest family-owned supply chain enterprises, ACC spans cattle breeding, backgrounding, feedlotting, processing, and export. A leader in sustainable innovation, ACC has pioneered the use of data-driven livestock management, regenerative farming practices, and closed-loop supply systems. The company’s feedlot is one of the most technologically advanced in the country, using real-time data monitoring to optimise animal welfare and environmental outcomes. In Brisbane, ACC operates a state-of-the-art processing and packaging facility that supports value-added export to premium international markets. The business is also investing in research and development partnerships with local universities to enhance genetics, biosecurity, and emissions reduction strategies.
Established Competitive Advantages
Defence & Aerospace
Home to Australia’s largest Air Force base
By 2028, the Queensland Government aims to grow the defence industry’s contribution to $7 billion and develop a 10,000-strong, highly skilled workforce recognised for its agility, innovation, and deep capability36
We are a nationally significant industrial base for the defence and aerospace sectors. It brings together advanced manufacturing capabilities, sovereign industry development, and critical infrastructure to support strategic defence infrastructure and global supply chain integration. With recognised strengths in technical expertise, a highly skilled workforce, expansive and controlled airspace, world-class research and innovation assets, and direct proximity to Indo-Pacific growth markets, the region presents a compelling platform for defence and aerospace investment.
Home to the nation’s largest air force base (RAAF Amberley), global defence primes, and an integrated industrial ecosystem. We are attracting major international investment and embedding itself in global supply chains. As a leading aviation hub in the Indo-Pacific, it hosts major civil and defence aviation players and is actively advancing innovation in uncrewed systems, autonomous technologies, and next-generation aircraft platforms. The combination of growing population centres, varied geographic conditions, and active aviation infrastructure makes it an ideal environment for the development and deployment of emerging technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The Council of Mayors (SEQ) is actively advancing initiatives to attract and integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), underscoring the cityregion’s commitment to embracing emerging technologies, investment, and job creation in the lead-up to 2032 and beyond.
Key priorities include delivering fit-for-purpose infrastructure, fostering an enabling operating environment, aligning legal and regulatory frameworks across planning, integration and safety, and building trust and confidence within the community. Recent studies estimate that the successful adoption of AAM could boost the region’s GDP by approximately $3.7 billion over the next 25 years35.
Investment opportunities
• Aviation and aerospace systems - including next-generation platforms, autonomous and unmanned systems, and integration technologies.
• Advanced manufacturing and sustainment - high-precision component manufacturing, prototyping, and lifecycle support for complex systems.
• Maintenance, repair and overhaul - facilities for military and civil fleets, supported by purpose-built facilities and a skilled workforce.
Wellcamp aerospace
and defence precinct
Toowoomba | Investment: $550 million
Boeing Australia has established a 9,000 m² final assembly and production facility at the Wellcamp Aerospace & Defence Precinct in Toowoomba - the company’s first combat aircraft manufacturing site outside North America. The site will produce the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an advanced uncrewed combat aircraft (“Loyal Wingman”) designed to operate alongside piloted platforms. This landmark project marks the first time in over 50 years that a military aircraft has been designed, developed, and manufactured in Australia. Supported by a strategic partnership with the Queensland Government, the facility positions the Brisbane City-Region as a global centre for cutting-edge aerospace innovation and sovereign defence capability. The depth and breadth of talent and innovation in Queensland is one of the many reasons Boeing decided to launch this collaboration in the city-region.
Established Competitive Advantages
Energy Transformation
One of the highest per-capita adoption rates of rooftop solar globally, with over 40% of households harnessing solar energy37. This strong uptake is driving major investment opportunities across renewable generation, grid-scale storage, and clean energy infrastructure.
Positioned as a leader in renewable energy generation, hydrogen development, and energy storage technologies. Strong government policy backing and major infrastructure projects are creating momentum for clean energy investments, including industrial decarbonisation efforts, and global demand for clean energy exports. With large-scale solar farms located throughout Somerset, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba, the city-region receives some of the highest solar irradiation levels in the developed world, making it an ideal location for both utility-scale and distributed solar generation. The Redlands Smart Farm Research Facility serves as a prominent testbed for the development and validation of solar, battery, and hydrogen systems. It’s a collaborative effort, backed by government and industry partners, focused on advancing renewable energy technologies and exploring their integration into a future low-carbon economy. It includes battery storage, a micro-grid, hydrogen production and use, and has demonstrated a portable hydrogen refuelling station for hydrogen cars and buses.
Investment opportunities
• Battery storage
• Solar, wind
Australia’s largest battery storage to boost clean energy grid stability
City of Moreton Bay | Investment: $2.5 billion
Quinbrook’s Supernode is a landmark clean energy and digital infrastructure project and one of the region’s most significant private investments, strategically located next to the South Pine switchyard. Handling 80% of the state’s power flow, the site will host a 750 MW, 24-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), the largest system connected to the national grid. The BESS will store surplus solar and wind energy, enhance grid stability, and support the transition from coal to clean energy sources, directly addressing challenges identified by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). The investment also capitalises on access to the city-region’s first direct international undersea data cable (Sunshine Coast), enabling the development of high-capacity, low-latency digital infrastructure such as hyperscale data centres. This unique colocation of energy and data assets provides a powerful platform for renewable-powered data services and digital innovation. Together, these capabilities position the Quinbrook Supernode as a cornerstone for Queensland’s energy transformation, digital economy, and long-term economic growth.
• Smart grid technologies
• Hydrogen
Priority Emerging Sectors
Quantum Technologies
Anchored by globally recognised institutions, the city-region is now playing a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s quantum future. Over the past three decades, Queensland has built a robust and diverse foundation in quantum science, driven by world-leading research in both theoretical and experimental fields38 The region’s capabilities span a wide range of technologies, including quantum sensors and devices, machine learning, simulation, computing, thermodynamics, atom optics, and biotechnology.
The emergence of the Queensland Quantum Academy, significant private investment, and flagship initiatives like the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology are accelerating growth in quantum computing and related technologies. Guided by Queensland’s Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy, the city-region is positioning itself at the cutting edge of next-generation innovation in the global quantum technology landscape.
Investment opportunities
World’s first fault-tolerant Quantum Computer to be built in Brisbane
Brisbane | Investment: $940 million
After nearly two decades of advancing its breakthrough technology, PsiQuantum is bringing its platform back to Brisbane to scale up operations and deliver a utility-scale quantum computer. The company’s new computing site, located at Brisbane Airport, is on track to achieve this milestone by 2027. This globally significant project is expected to generate around 2,800 highskilled jobs across fields such as quantum engineering, photonics, cryogenics, and advanced software development. It is also projected to contribute approximately $5.1 billion in additional economic activity. PsiQuantum’s investment places the Brisbane City-Region at the forefront of quantum technology and cements its reputation as a global innovation hub. The commercialisation of this technology holds the potential to revolutionise critical industries - including healthcare, energy, transport, and agriculture - by solving complex problems that are currently beyond the capabilities of classical computing.
• Healthcare
• Critical minerals
• Agriculture and transport
• Decarbonisation
• Defence
• SportsTech
Priority Emerging Sectors
Robotics & Artificial Intelligence
The AI and robotics sector in the city-region is fast maturing, and home to globally recognised research centres such as QUT’s Australian Centre for Robotic Vision. It specialises in field robotics, computer vision, and autonomous systems designed for real-world conditions across mining, agriculture, defence, and healthcare. With assets like the Queensland AI Hub and Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub driving industry collaboration. We offer a launchpad for commercial-ready robotics innovation. Supported by strong R&D incentives, a skilled workforce, and proximity to AsiaPacific markets, the city-region and state are attracting growing interest from investors seeking scalable, exportable automation technologies.
Artificial Intelligence forecast to boost Australia’s economy by $116 billion over the next decade, with expected labour productivity growth of 4.3%39 .
Investment opportunities
• Freight logistics
• Mining & Agriculture
• Defence & Aerospace
• Health & Aged Care
AI-powered automation transforms how produce is picked, packed and processed
Brisbane | Investment: $1.5 million
A local university spin-out, LYRO Robotics has developed the world’s first general-purpose “pickand-pack” robotic system capable of handling delicate, irregularly shaped produce such as avocados, chillies, and zucchinis, without bruising or waste. The innovation directly tackles one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges - labour shortages in post-harvest handling. LYRO’s robots combine robotic arms, advanced computer vision, soft-touch grippers, and proprietary AI to identify, grasp, and pack soft, irregular objects directly into boxes with both speed and precision. The result is a transformative step forward in how fresh produce is picked, packed, and processed at commercial scale. Designed as modular systems, the robots can be rapidly deployed across farms, packing sheds, and food warehouses. Their human-like dexterity and adaptability enable them to operate in complex, unstructured environments, improving efficiency and consistency across the supply chain. Backed by local and international investors, LYRO is scaling operations across Australia and expanding into global markets. The company exemplifies Brisbane City-Region’s global competitiveness in applied robotics and AI, powered by deep research capability, advanced prototyping infrastructure, and a strong pipeline of commercial partnerships.
Priority Emerging Sectors
AgriTech
We are leading the transformation of agriculture through innovation, digitisation, and sustainability. Its unique combination of urban innovation precincts and nearby high-value production zones - such as the fertile Lockyer Valley - are creating a powerful “lab-to-paddock” innovation corridor. This ecosystem seamlessly connects world-class research institutions, entrepreneurial startups, and commercial producers, enabling the rapid development, testing, and deployment of cutting-edge agritech solutions. With established strengths in both high-value food production and advanced technologies, the city-region is fast becoming a global hub for agritech innovation, offering opportunities to invest in sensor
technology, autonomous farming equipment and robotics, and agricultural and animal management software and technologies.
Investors can partner with local companies to utilise existing expertise in areas like crop breeding, plant biotechnology, animal nutrition, tropical crops and aquaculture. Backed by strong government support, leading universities, and collaborative industry networks, the city-region provides an ideal environment for the scale-up of export-ready technologies that address global food system challenges, particularly across Asia and the Middle East.
Queensland’s agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry industries produced $22.66 billion worth of goods in 202440 .
Investment opportunities
• Precision agriculture
• Drone and sensor analytics
• Supply chain and logistics innovation
• Automation and robotics
Agritech pioneer scaling smart farming globally
Toowoomba
With rising global demand for food security, climatesmart agriculture, and digital farming tools, the city-region’s agritech sector presents compelling investment opportunities - particularly in AI-enabled crop monitoring, robotics, and farm automation.
A standout in this space is DataFarming, a Toowoomba-based company, revolutionising on-farm decision-making. By integrating satellite imagery, remote sensing, and machine learning, DataFarming delivers real-time, easy-to-use precision agriculture solutions that enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Its cloud-based platform provides farmers with detailed crop health maps, variablerate input plans, and yield forecasts, helping more than 35,000 users across the globe manage over 50 million hectares of farmland more efficiently.
Priority Emerging Sectors
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is driving breakthroughs in materials science, medical diagnostics, and clean energy. Backed by world-class universities, a skilled talent pool, and a collaborative innovation ecosystem, we have the capability to turn cutting-edge research into globally competitive technologies. The city-region is home to world-leading nanotechnology research centres, including the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at The University of Queensland, which advances nanomaterials, nanomedicine, and
Investment opportunities
synthetic biology, and the Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC) at Griffith University, specialising in nano-scale photonics and MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices.
Investors can tap into early-stage commercialisation, prototyping, and specialised manufacturing of nanotechenabled products across a range of high-growth sectors, including the focus areas below.
• Biomedical health
• Clean energy
• Advanced materials
• Quantum devices
• Environmental monitoring
Charging into the future and global markets with graphene innovation
Brisbane | Investment: $6 million
Brisbane’s City-Region is rapidly establishing itself as a national leader in battery innovation, driven by a dynamic ecosystem that seamlessly connects cutting-edge research with real-world commercial applications. At the heart of this collaboration between universities, industry, and government stands Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG), a trailblazer redefining the clean-tech frontier through world-first applications of graphene - an ultra-thin material just one atom thick, yet stronger than steel and more conductive than copper. GMG’s proprietary technology produces graphene from natural gas instead of mined graphite, delivering a cleaner, more scalable manufacturing process. As the company accelerates its entry into global markets, it leverages Brisbane’s export-driven mindset and world-class innovation ecosystemwhere advanced manufacturing capabilities, globally connected research institutions, and proactive government support converge to fuel growth. With an expanding portfolio spanning energy storage, thermal efficiency, and industrial performance, GMG is strongly positioned for commercial success both domestically and internationally. Preparing for a U.S. stock exchange listing and scaling production to meet growing global demand, the company is poised to become a cornerstone of Australia’s next wave of high-value, globally competitive clean-tech exports - anchored by Brisbane’s strategic Asia-Pacific location and leadership in innovation.
Connected and capable knowledge partners
For international businesses with high data demands, this is your new strategic home in the
Asia-Pacific.
The Port of Brisbane, home to the international cruise terminal, handles the majority of the region’s containerised seaborne freight - over 1.6 million TEUs annually (2024), with volumes forecast to more than triple by 206041.
We are already home to the fastest data connection to Asia from Australia’s East Coast, and the second fastest to the U.S. East Coast via an 18Tbps link through Guam. This world-class digital infrastructure is being further enhanced by a new undersea cable under construction, which will connect the region to the USA via Fiji - providing critical path diversity for those requiring highspeed, high-volume, low-latency connectivity. Planned branch lines will link additional markets into this core network. Both connections offer the flexibility to link with Sydney via either terrestrial routes or a 24Tbps undersea (‘wet’) link, giving investors greater choice in pricing and service42.
Located just one hour north of Brisbane, Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast hosts the onshore landing site for these cables. It is a hub for cutting-edge digital infrastructure, including a Tier 3N+1 Edge Data Centre, WiFi-6 public access, and 5G mobile broadband. The city centre also features multi-path telecommunications conduits supporting multi-carrier optic fibre networks and a LoRaWAN IoT network.
• Top-ranked global institutes in emerging fields, including a mix of researchintensive and industry-focused43.
• Higher-performing universities, stronger research output, and more breadth and depth of academic programs, compared to global peers44.
• One of the world’s largest concentrations of international students (relative to size)45.
• Youngest population on the east coast with next generation capability; we are naturally progressive, innovative and optimistic46.
• One in three residents born overseas, our community’s diversity and inclusivity are a natural part of our culture47
One of the world’s most liveable city-regions
Australia’s nature capital – enviable subtropical climate, natural assets; and more than 450 kilometres of pristine coastline48.
Lowest urban pollution among global peers49.
Only place in the world where three co-located UNESCO Biosphere Reserves align50 Leading the way in sustainability and disaster resilience.
Lowest share of income spent on mortgage payments, compared with global peers51
DISCLAIMER: Every care has been taken by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to ensure the information contained within this document is accurate and current. Notwithstanding this, Council of Mayors (SEQ) makes no representation whatsoever regarding the accuracy, adequacy, suitability, completeness or reliability of the information and bears no responsibility for any mistakes, errors, or omissions. Accordingly, this information should not be relied upon for decision-making purposes and independent professional advice should be obtained. To the full extent that it is able to do so, Council of Mayors (SEQ) disclaims all liability (including liability in negligence) for losses and damages (including indirect or consequential loss and damage) caused by or arising from anyone using or relying on this information for any purpose whatsoever.
SPECIAL NOTES: *References to global peer regions in this publication are informed by ‘Benchmarking SEQ – In a Global Context (2025)’, which identifies international city-regions of comparable population and economic scale, global competitiveness in liveability, education, and trade, and a distinctive strategic or gateway role within their national context. The peer regions for the Brisbane CityRegion include the Barcelona Region, Busan City-Region, Hamburg Region, Metro Vancouver, Miami, San Diego Region, Seattle Region, South Holland, and Stockholm Region.
IMAGE CREDITS: Arup, BEDA, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Brisbane City Council, City of Moreton Bay, Commonwealth Government and Department of Defence, Experience Somerset, Gallipoli Medical Research, Griffith University, Ipswich City Council, iStock, Kalfresh Pty Ltd, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Logan City Council, Tourism Noosa, Pan Pacific Recycling Pty Ltd, Port of Brisbane, PSI Quantum, Queensland Government, Queensland Country Tourism, Redland City Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Toowoomba & Surat Basin Enterprise, Tourism & Events Queensland, Visit Sunshine Coast, Back Cover: Reuben Nutt.
Data References
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Estimated Resident Population, 2024 / https://profile.id.com.au/comseq
