Global technology giant Alphabet will bring their autonomous drone delivery service, Wing, to Queensland this year.
Innovation Minister Kate Jones today announced, after 80,000 test flights around the world, including initial test flights in rural Queensland in 2014, Queenslanders would be among the first in the world to have the drone delivery service.
Deliveries of items up to 1.5kg are expected to be made in Logan later this year.
Ms Jones said the new service would create jobs for drone pilots in Queensland.
"We're working with the world leaders in drone technology to create jobs for Queenslanders," she said.
"That's why we're partnering with Wing today to make sure that we lead the way when it comes to capitalising on the opportunities provided by technological advancements in drone technology.
"Already we have some of the world leaders in drone tech and we're investing more in this space than any other government in the country.
"It's no wonder Wing chose Queensland to launch its drone delivery service."
Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government launched Australia's first-ever Drone Strategy last year, complementing the work the government had done through Advance Queensland to take advantage of new and emerging technologies.
"We are already leading the way in drone technology across a number of industries, including defence, agriculture, mining and manufacturing," she said.
"Wing has the potential to shift the gear again in the use of drone technology for transportation by increasing access to goods, easing traffic congestion and helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions."
During a trade mission to the United States in June, the Minister met with Wing to explore opportunities in Queensland.
"Building partnerships with industry and trade leaders is a key part of our Advance Queensland innovation strategy – to grow and diversify our economy," she said.
"Through these partnerships we can embrace digital disruption and harness the power of innovation to create the jobs of the future in Queensland."
Australian Head of Operations, Terrance Bouldin-Johnson said: "We're pleased to be expanding our Australian operations and launching the first air delivery service in South East Queensland.
"Queensland has staked out a leadership position in the advancement of drone technology and some of the most significant drone developments in the world are happening here.
"We're excited to be contributing to Logan City's innovation ecosystem.
"Wing allows customers to order a range of items such as fresh bread, hot coffee or food items on our mobile app, and have them delivered directly to their homes by drone in minutes.
"Whether you're a parent who forgot to pick up fresh bread for your kids school lunches, or you simply want to order your weekend coffee without having to drive to the shops, Wing is teaming up with local Logan businesses to give customers the opportunity to have a range of goods delivered in a handful of minutes."
Logan City Council Director of Strategy and Sustainability, David Hansen, said Logan is undergoing rapid change as it embraces technology and innovation with an increasing number of tech giants and start-ups looking at Logan as a place to set up and expand their businesses.
"Council has launched an array of smart strategies and programs designed at empowering entrepreneurs, innovators and businesses to create economic and social benefits for the community," he said.
"In our dealings with Wing to date, they have confirmed a strong willingness to engage closely with the Logan community. Council welcomes the news that Wing could soon establish their operation here and we're looking forward to working with them through the development application and community engagement processes."
