A development pipeline valued at $37.7 billion is laying the foundations for the next generation of growth across the Western Downs, reinforcing the region's reputation as one of Australia's leading destinations for investment and development.
The 2026 Development Status Report highlights significant activity across energy, housing, education, commercial development, and infrastructure, showcasing the breadth of opportunities expected to support jobs, attract investment, and strengthen communities in the years ahead.
Released at the 2026 Energy Summit hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, the report provides investors, businesses, residents, and industry with a comprehensive overview of projects driving the region's future prosperity.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said the report demonstrated the extraordinary potential of the Western Downs and the confidence industry, investors, and businesses continue to place in the region.
"The Western Downs' strength lies in the diversity of its economy," Mayor Smith said.
"While our $36.9 billion energy pipeline continues to reinforce our position as the Energy Capital of Queensland, the report also highlights $176.5 million in commercial development, $45 million in housing projects, and $22.5 million in education investment.
"Together, these projects are supporting jobs, attracting new residents, creating business opportunities, and ensuring our communities have the services, infrastructure, and workforce needed to support future growth.
"It's this balance of investment across energy, business, housing, and community infrastructure that gives us confidence in the long-term prosperity of the Western Downs."
"The Development Status Report provides a clear picture of the opportunities ahead and reinforces the Western Downs' position as one of Australia's most exciting regions for investment and growth.
"The scale of investment outlined in this report is a clear vote of confidence in the Western Downs. Council is advocating strongly to both the state and federal governments to back that confidence with investment in the critical infrastructure that will support the next chapter of growth for our region's industries and communities: secure bulk water and a strong, resilient state and federal road network.
"Council remains focused on ensuring the region is ready to seize the opportunities ahead with an active approach to development and investment attraction, supported by responsive planning framework to accommodate long-tern population and economic growth.
"The Western Downs is a region of ambition, opportunity and growth which continues to attract new residents and businesses.
"While we are proud of what has been achieved, we are equally excited about what lies ahead."
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Jo Sheppard said the Western Downs has long been recognised for the diversity of its economy and particularly for its strength in agriculture and resources.
"Today's report highlights a region that is rapidly expanding its economic footprint and embracing new opportunities," Ms Sheppard said.
"From energy and resources projects to housing, health, education and community infrastructure, the scale and diversity of investment underway demonstrates a region preparing for the next generation of growth.
"The Development Status Report provides businesses, investors and decision-makers with a picture of where opportunities exist and where growth is occurring.
"It demonstrates that the Western Downs is continuing to attract investment that will create jobs, strengthen local communities and support long-term economic prosperity.
"This report is a powerful reminder that regional Queensland is a driving force instrumental in shaping Australia's future."
The report highlights a $37.7 billion development pipeline, demonstrating the scale of investment and growth occurring across the Western Downs. Key sectors include:
Energy: $36.909 billion
Resources: $290 million
Commercial: $176.5 million
Health: $106.5 million
Infrastructure: $91.3 million
Roads: $70 million
Housing: $45 million
Education: $22.5 million
