Queensland manufacturing: Ready for its next phase in growth

As Australian Manufacturing Week comes to Brisbane for the first time this 12-14 May, Queensland has a rare opportunity to showcase what local manufacturers already know: this state is built for growth.

For BDO, Manufacturing Week is more than an industry showcase. It is a moment to bring leaders together, strengthen relationships and support the businesses shaping Queensland’s next phase of manufacturing growth.

At a recent BDO Manufacturing event in Brisbane, industry participants discussed what is keeping them awake at night and challenges they’re facing, why they remain optimistic about Queensland’s outlook, and what excites them about FY27 and beyond. The message was clear: Queensland manufacturers are under pressure, but they are ambitious, pragmatic and ready to grow.

Challenges in the manufacturing industry

Manufacturers are navigating a demanding operating environment. Rising input costs, raw material volatility, ongoing labour shortages, global trade uncertainty, tariffs, shifting customer demand and persistent productivity pressures are now the norm. At the same time, many leaders are asking how they can continue to scale without losing the culture, quality and values that underpin their success.

Artificial intelligence (AI) was a standout theme. While manufacturers can see the opportunity, many are still working through its practical application:

• Where should AI be deployed first?
• How is data protected?
• How do businesses avoid chasing hype?
• How do they ensure AI improves decisions and efficiency without introducing new risks?

Technology should follow the business problem, not the other way around. When deployed with clear purpose, AI can support forecasting, production planning, inventory management, maintenance, customer insight, reporting and decision‑making. But success depends on strong foundations, clean data, clear ownership, robust governance and a practical implementation plan.

This is where support helps manufacturers move from conversation to action. Data, analytics and AI specialists work with businesses to turn data into usable insight, strengthen operational decision‑making and build the platforms needed for sustainable growth. The challenge is not access to technology, but clarity on where it delivers measurable commercial value.

Why Queensland, and why South East Queensland?

There are strong reasons to be confident about Queensland’s manufacturing future.

Brisbane’s economy reached $201 billion in 2024, representing a $28 billion increase since 2020, according to the 2025 State of the City Report released by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA). This growth is underpinned by population expansion, infrastructure investment, major events and a growing focus on future industries.

South East Queensland extends well beyond Brisbane. The Gold Coast, Logan and Redland form part of a diverse economic corridor spanning advanced manufacturing, health and medical, education, construction, transport, tourism and professional services.

For manufacturers, this matters, as growth does not happen in isolation. It requires access to skills, transport, supply chains, customers, capital, export pathways and strong regional networks. From Brisbane to the Gold Coast and across regional Queensland, the state offers the elements manufacturers need to scale with confidence.

The Gold Coast’s growing role

The Gold Coast is an increasingly important part of Queensland’s manufacturing story. It combines a growing commercial base with strong lifestyle appeal, proximity to Brisbane, access to South East Queensland’s labour pool and close links to health, medical, construction, sport, tourism, technology and export markets. For manufacturers seeking to attract people, access customers and integrate into broader value chains, the Gold Coast plays a strategic role.

Recognising the Gold Coast during Australian Manufacturing Week is not about geography alone. It reflects a broader truth: Queensland’s manufacturing strength is statewide, and South East Queensland is one of its most visible growth corridors.

Innovation needs to deliver practical outcomes

Practical innovation is a continuing theme across the manufacturing industry and events. Manufacturers are not looking for innovation buzzwords, they’re after solutions that improve processes, fill market gaps, respond to customer demand and deliver commercial outcomes.

Opportunities presented spanned mining equipment and services, recycling, metals, batteries, defence, aerospace, food and beverage, construction materials, robotics, automation and space‑related industries. Equally important was process improvement: being able to do existing work faster, safer, cleaner and more profitably.

There is also renewed momentum behind Australian‑made products. Governments, customers and supply chains are increasingly focused on resilience, quality and local capability. Queensland manufacturers can benefit from this shift, provided they are ready to invest, scale and communicate their value clearly.

Trade, tariffs and global growth

Queensland manufacturers are increasingly looking beyond domestic markets.

International growth brings opportunity, but also complexity. Tariffs, customs duties, global tax, transfer pricing, foreign exchange and shifting trade policy all impact margins and strategic decisions.

For businesses expanding into the United States, Asia or New Zealand, the question is not just where to sell, but how to structure growth in a sustainable, compliant and commercially sound way.

Excitement for the future of manufacturing

Despite the challenges, the most striking takeaway from the event was optimism.

Manufacturers spoke about stronger systems, better use of data, clearer accountability, more disciplined international growth and confidence in Queensland’s regional strength. After years of responding to disruption, many businesses are shifting from reaction to readiness, and this shift matters

Queensland’s next phase of manufacturing growth will not come from a single policy, event or technology. It will come from alignment between confident businesses, effective collaboration between industry and government, strong export pathways, skilled workforces and innovation that is commercialised.

Manufacturing in Queensland is not confined to one city or one sector. It stretches from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, across South East Queensland and into regional communities where manufacturing, resources, agriculture, defence, construction and technology intersect.

BDO’s commitment to Queensland manufacturing

BDO is proud to support Australian Manufacturing Week in Brisbane, and the manufacturers driving Queensland forward. Through longstanding partnerships with BEDA and Trade and Investment Queensland, and continued sponsorship of Manufacturer’s Monthly Endeavour Awards, BDO is committed not just to advising manufacturers, but to connecting the sector, strengthening networks and showcasing Queensland as a world‑class manufacturing destination.

Australian Manufacturing Week coming to Brisbane for the first time is a milestone. It gives Queensland a national platform to demonstrate its capability, ambition and long‑term potential.

BDO helps support manufacturers through R&D tax incentive advice, government grants and funding pathways, navigating tariffs and international trade, and technology and digital advancement, helping businesses bring ideas to market with confidence. If you’re looking for support in the next era of manufacturing in Queensland, contact our manufacturing team.