New manufacturing funding announced: Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program
New manufacturing funding announced: Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program
Queensland manufacturers now have access to a major new funding opportunity designed to boost the state’s manufacturing productivity and global competitiveness, underpinned by the state’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy. Administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program (TQMGP) is offering matched funding between $100,000 to $1.5 million to help Queensland-based manufacturing small to medium enterprises (SMEs) invest in advanced manufacturing equipment. Backed by a $79.1 million commitment from the Queensland Government, the program supports projects that drive innovation, strengthen sovereign capability, and expand export potential for Queensland-made products.
With rising global competition, rapid technological change, and increasing expectations around sustainable and advanced manufacturing, this grant provides a pivotal opportunity for manufacturers looking to scale, modernise and position themselves for future growth.
About the program
The TQMGP is designed to:
- Improve productivity across the state’s manufacturing sector by supporting investment in modern equipment, technology adoption and process optimisation
- Strengthen sovereign capability, ensuring Queensland manufacturers can produce critical goods locally and build resilience across supply chains
- Grow exports, helping businesses access global markets through capability uplift and improved competitiveness
- Drive innovation, with support aligned to advanced manufacturing, digital transformation and the expansion of specialised manufacturing hubs across Queensland.
Funding overview
As part of the broader 2025 to 2030 strategy, the grants program contributes to a $79.1 million investment package. Importantly, 50 per cent of the $12.5 million will be allocated to regional Queensland.
Funding streams will typically support:
- Capital investment to upgrade or introduce advanced manufacturing technology
- Capability‑building activities that enhance productivity or export readiness
- Projects that strengthen Queensland’s sovereign manufacturing capacity.
This investment signals the Queensland Government’s commitment to positioning the state as a leader in advanced manufacturing and ensuring local businesses have the capability to compete in global supply chains.
Applications for Round 1 are now open
Eligible Queensland-based manufacturers can apply for matched funding grants of $100,000 to $1.5 million for projects that:
- Facilitate pathways for export opportunities
- Reshore or onshore manufacturing activity currently undertaken interstate or overseas
- Improve manufacturing productivity and competitiveness
- Stimulate private sector investment and generating jobs.
Applications for Round 1 close on Thursday 16 April 2026 at 1pm.
With manufacturing central to Queensland's economic strategy, this program forms a cornerstone of the state’s efforts to elevate capability, attract investment and future‑proof local industry.
How BDO can help
BDO’s R&D and government incentives team has extensive experience helping manufacturers secure government grant funding, including strategic assessment and application preparation to help you maximise funding. For support applying for the TQMGP or any other government grants, contact us today.
