Excellent economic fundamentals
With more than 45 per cent of Queensland’s population and an economy valued at $135 billion, Brisbane is the economic hub and driver of the Queensland economy. Brisbane’s economy is forecast to grow by more than 60 per cent to $217 billion by 2031 (Source: Brisbane City Council, Economic Development Plan 2012-2031).
Queensland’s resources and energy sector continues to drive a significant share of the state’s wealth creation. With more than $73 billion worth of resources and energy projects under construction, this presents significant opportunities for manufacturing companies to supply much-needed technologies and machinery to large resources companies (Source: Deloitte Access Economics, Investment Monitor, September 2014).
Talent, innovation and education
Brisbane is home to significant industry-driven research and education facilities.
SkillsTech Australia is the largest public provider of trade and technician training in Australia, delivering pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship/traineeship, and post-trade training to more than 20,000 students every year.
The Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT)is a world-class research and development precinct focused on providing the highest standard science, engineering, and innovation to the Australian mining, exploration, minerals processing, and manufacturing industries. Advanced material engineering is an emerging R&D cluster at the QCAT precinct that focuses on light metals and fibre composites, growing sectors in Queensland's developing manufacturing industry.
The Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation at the University of Queensland (UQ) is a centre of engineering excellence established to identify and facilitate innovations in economically and environmentally sustainable processes associated with the production and use of energy, water, food, and chemicals. Established in 2012, the centre is quickly becoming a magnet for talented staff and students, affirming UQ's leadership in the fields of science and engineering.
Population growth and expanding infrastructure
Manufacturers enjoy a well-established infrastructure network in Brisbane, as well as solid plans for the future. With a population of 2.2 million, Brisbane is the principal centre of Australia’s fastest-growing region, South East Queensland. By 2031, Brisbane’s population is expected to increase to more than three million (Source: Office of Economic and Statistical Research, Queensland Treasury, medium series).
