- Crisafulli Government backs life-saving defence armour manufacturing on the Gold Coast through its landmark $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF).
- More than $500,000 awarded to Craig International Ballistics at Arundel to increase local production of specialised body armour for soldiers and police officers.
- The Crisafulli Government's Sovereign Industry Development Fund is accelerating the growth of the Defence, Biomedical and Biofuels industries and building sovereign capability in Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has further reinforced the defence manufacturing industry on the Gold Coast by backing the development of life-saving armour for Australia's armed forces through the landmark $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
Arundel based armour manufacturer Craig International Ballistics will receive more than $500,000 to help expand production of military-grade hard armour plates used inside vests to protect soldiers and police officers.
Craig International Ballistics has made armour products for over 25 years and is a major supplier to the Australian Defence Force and our allies around the world.
The Crisafulli Government's support is helping Craig International Ballistics take the next step in body armour production by adding new equipment to its ultra-high pressure hydraulic press, which is already one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Craig International Ballistics will add a second high pressure hard armour plate tool, expanding the production and range of armour made from the military-grade thermoplastic known as Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), resulting in lighter body armour.
The new equipment is expected to be up and running by late-2027 and will create 47 operational jobs, opening up export opportunities for Craig International Ballistics and supporting continued growth across Queensland's defence industry supply chain.
The Sovereign Industry Development Fund is revitalising Queensland's industrial base after a decade of decline under Labor, by funding projects that help build a stronger, more resilient Queensland economy, attract private investment and secure long-term jobs and economic growth.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the investment was strengthening Queensland's sovereign defence capability and support industry growth on the Gold Coast.
"The Gold Coast is a growing defence industry hub and this investment strengthens an important local link in a Queensland-wide supply chain," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Making this specialised equipment locally not only means the Gold Coast plays a crucial part in protecting our brave Defence personnel and police officers, it also means more skilled local jobs, stronger local economies and more opportunities to support our national defence forces.
"After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is rebuilding Queensland's sovereign industries like defence and backing the home-grown innovation that will secure our state's future."
Minister for Housing and Public Works and Member for Bonney Sam O'Connor said the investment was reinforcing the Gold Coast as a home for innovation and investment.
"Not only is this a story of Queenslanders keeping Queenslanders safe, it's an opportunity to deliver better protection to our allies while also bringing in more investment into our state," Minister O'Connor said
"Through projects like this, we're making the Gold Coast a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing.
"The Crisafulli Government is backing Gold Coast companies like Craig International Ballistics to invest in new technology and create skilled local jobs to help set our city up for success.
Managing Director of Craig International Ballistics, Mr James Craig, said the investment would strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability while positioning the company for continued international growth.
"Craig International Ballistics welcomes the Crisafulli Government's support through the Sovereign Industry Development Fund," Mr Craig said.
"As an established supplier of ballistic protection systems to the Australian Defence Force and law enforcement agencies, this investment will enable us to acquire advanced manufacturing plant and equipment at our Arundel facility, expanding our sovereign manufacturing capability for hard armour products in Queensland.
"The project will support highly skilled local jobs, strengthen Australia's defence industrial base and provide Craig International Ballistics with the advanced manufacturing capability needed to pursue further growth in global defence markets.
"We sincerely thank the Crisafulli Government for its confidence in Craig International Ballistics and for backing our vision to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability right here in Queensland. This investment gives us the opportunity to continue investing locally, creating highly skilled jobs while expanding into global defence markets."
