Brisbane is well-placed to capitalise on the world’s growing demand for energy and emerge as a global leader in energy innovation. Guided by sustainably-focused governments and world-renowned universities and research institutions, Brisbane is establishing its credentials as a leader in the innovation of clean technologies. The rapid growth in the region’s population has resulted in the emergence of several greenfield developments, providing opportunities for clean tech incubation and integration, demonstration projects and large-scale renewable energy projects.
Alongside these developments, Brisbane’s ecosciences precinct stands out as Australia’s first centre dedicated to solving some of the country’s biggest environmental issues. Home to a critical mass of scientists, the precinct is positioning Queensland at the forefront of climate change and environmental research, opening the door for Queensland to export sustainability knowledge and services to the Asia-Pacific region.
Find out more on clean technologies and renewable energy at investbrisbane.com.au.
Queensland’s information and communications technology (ICT) industry directly employs more than 77,000 people in over 5,600 businesses, with estimated revenues in excess of $23.6 billion (AUD). Brisbane and the South-East Queensland region is the base for more than 80 per cent of these companies, with over 70 per cent of the Queensland industry directly involved in either software development or the provision of ICT services. Many influential ICT multinationals such as Boeing, IBM, Red Hat and SAP are located in Brisbane.
Find out more about digital industries at investbrisbane.com.au.
The food and beverage sector is Australia’s largest manufacturing industry, employing more than 200,000 people. In June 2008 – June 2009, the sector continued to experience strong results despite the global downturn, recording a 5.4 per cent growth. Within Brisbane, key food and beverage sectors include ingredients, meat processing, beverages, seafood and ready-to-eat. Notably, the region’s growing consumer market, skilled workforce, lower operational costs and excellent infrastructure has attracted companies such as Arnotts (Campbell Soup Company), Coca-Cola Amatil, Kerry Ingredients, Schweppes, Smiths Snackfoods (PepsiCo), Swift Australia and Tate and Lyle.
Brisbane also distinguishes itself in this arena as the home of Australia’s first health and food sciences precinct – a dynamic hub of scientific research designed to foster collaboration between researchers working in the areas of biosecurity, healthcare, food safety and food technology.
Find out more about food and beverage processing at investbrisbane.com.au.
South-East Queensland is Australia’s fastest-growing region. Approximately 2.95 million people currently call the region home and this is expected to grow to 4.3 million people by 2031. The economic and population growth in South-East Queensland are driving the need for new infrastructure. The world’s growing demand for Queensland’s resources – coal, bauxite, zinc and copper – is generating a need to upgrade port facilities, rail links, roads and energy networks to capitalise on emerging opportunities.
In line with this, the Queensland Government has committed more than $134 billion (AUD) to planning and delivering infrastructure projects to secure the state’s prosperity and lifestyle, with the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2010–2031 detailing future investment in transport, water, energy development, information and communication technology, and social and community infrastructure.
Find out more about infrastructure at investbrisbane.com.au.
Manufacturing is one of Brisbane’s largest exporting industries. Queensland’s innovative manufacturing industry has concentrated on specific niches – namely, advanced manufacturing, machinery and equipment, plastics and metals, packaging and recycling, and marine – to ensure long-term growth. Accordingly, Queensland is the only state where increases in sector employment are predicted for the next 20 years.
Ongoing expansion of the resources industry in Queensland has also resulted in significant opportunities for companies to supply much-needed technologies and machinery to large mining companies. With a new focus on oil and gas exploration and production, the current environment is one of accelerated growth. In addition, strong population growth means manufacturers enjoy well-established infrastructure as well as solid plans for future road and rail development.
Find out more about innovative manufacturing at investbrisbane.com.au.
Brisbane offers outstanding capabilities and opportunities in the fields of agri-food, biomedical, biopharmaceutical and human therapeutics, diagnostics and clinical trials.
The city is a recognised centre of excellence and is home to the largest medical research institute in the Southern Hemisphere – the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. Other high profile research institutes based in Brisbane include the: Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Clive Berghofer Cancer Research Centre; Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies; Institute for Molecular Biology; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; and Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence.
Find out more about life sciences at investbrisbane.com.au.
With unequalled infrastructure, a strategic location, land availability and significant labour advantages, Brisbane is the ideal logistics location. The existing infrastructure network in Brisbane is world-class and sustained growth in the manufacturing and resource sectors has created excellent opportunities for logistics, transport and warehousing providers.
Furthermore, with a highly skilled workforce, excellent links to southern markets and quick access to the grazing, agricultural and resources centres of central Queensland, Ipswich (located less than one hour west of Brisbane) and its surrounding areas is fast becoming the logistics hotspot for national carriers and distribution centres.
Find out more about logistics and infrastructure at investbrisbane.com.au.
With nearly 200 mining companies based in the Greater Brisbane region, Brisbane is renowned as an international centre of excellence in the field of mining technology and services (MTS). This highly developed industry cluster consists of producers and service providers in the areas of mining engineering, mining equipment manufacturing, mine and resource management (including coal and water), commodity transportation, remote positioning, environmentally-sensitive mining/drilling, geotech exploration, and health and safety initiatives.
Driven by industry’s commitment to greater research and development infrastructure, there is strong government collaboration and investment, and an increased focus on education and developing a skilled workforce. This combines to create an industry capable of delivering an array of innovative technologies and expertise to the global market.
Find out more about mining technologies & services at investbrisbane.com.au.