Ideas born in Queensland’s research labs become breakthroughs – from life-saving vaccines to next-generation healthcare and sustainable agriculture. Queensland is reshaping the way industries grow, how global partnerships take root, creating enduring value. For investors, the question isn’t whether to choose Queensland – it’s how soon you can start.
Queensland offers something rare: scale without congestion, pace without pressure, ambition with heart. As our global trade and investment agency, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) is our front door to the world and we are open for business. With a network that spans 27 locations in 18 international markets across Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, as well as eight regional offices in Queensland, TIQ plays a vital role in connecting our state to the world.
TIQ’s expert teams are at the forefront of championing Queensland companies, both domestically and internationally, facilitating high value partnerships and guiding businesses to navigate the unique opportunities our state offers.
Ros Bates, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training
Closest Australian state to Asia-Pacific growth markets, with direct access to South East Asia, Japan, Korea and China.
Sunshine, space and an unmatched lifestyle where global talent and entrepreneurs thrive.
Investment-ready with streamlined pathways, facilitation services and whole of government coordination.
Stretching from Cardwell in the south to the Torres Strait in the north, Far North Queensland is a vibrant, tropical region known for its pristine natural environment and thriving economy.
Area
380,000 km²
Population
293,000
Key city / town
Cairns
Local Government
25 areas
North Queensland’s unofficial capital, Townsville is home to government, community and business headquarters. Magnetic Island, a popular tourist destination, is nearby.
Area
80,000 km²
Population
240,000
Key city / town
Townsville
Local Government
5 areas
Central Queensland has strengths in mining and gas, vocational and tertiary education, primary production, tourism, manufacturing, retail, and health services.
Area
380,000 km²
Population
228,000
Key city / town
Rockhampton
Local Government
6 areas
Mackay is located 1,100km north of Brisbane and is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. The region is known for its beaches, lifestyle and recreational attractions.
Area
90,000 km²
Population
181,000
Key city / town
Mackay
Local Government
3 areas
Known for fine wines, fresh produce and stunning wildflowers, this region covers nearly 400,000km², from the Great Dividing Range to the South Australian border.
Area
380,000 km²
Population
276,000
Key city / town
Toowoomba
Local Government
12 areas
The Wide Bay Burnett region begins about two hours north of Brisbane and covers around 50,000km². It has the largest population of any Queensland region outside the South East.
Area
50,000 km²
Population
308,000
Key city / town
Bundaberg
Local Government
6 areas
South East Queensland includes the major population centres of the West Moreton Region, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane – the closest capital city to Asia on Australia’s east coast.
Area
35,000 km²
Population
3,800,000
Key city / town
Brisbane
Local Government
12 areas
in goods exports in 2024–25 — led by coal, LNG, metals, beef and crops
credit rating combined with a competitive payroll tax rate of 4.75%
and 6 international airports support global trade access
of Australia’s resource exports originate in Queensland
international student enrolments in 2024 from 160+ countries
goods exporters, with 41% based in regional Queensland
international education and training exports — Queensland’s #1 services export
skilled migrants nominated to support workforce needs
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The 2032 Delivery Plan with venue upgrades and new sporting precincts like Brisbane Stadium and across regional Queensland to ensure benefits are shared across communities.
New housing developments, transport links and public spaces designed for generational use.
Clean, smart and connected infrastructure with measurable environmental, social and guidance impact.
