- $31.65 million awarded through the Crisafulli Government's $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund to support a major defence industry expansion on the Sunshine Coast.
- The investment supports Queensland's defence manufacturing, more local jobs and supply chain capability.
- First defence project backed under the SIDF to accelerate Queensland's sovereign industry growth and capability after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland's defence industry, announcing support for the first defence project under the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
HeliMods will receive a $31.65 million boost to deliver its Advanced Industry Precinct Expansion at Caloundra Aerodrome on the Sunshine Coast, as part of a broader $78.1 million investment.
HeliMods is one of a few Australian-owned organisations delivering end-to-end aerospace capability – from design and certification to advanced manufacturing, systems integration and through-life support – in a single sovereign operation.
The project will deliver more than 10,000m2 of purpose-built, defence-grade aerospace infrastructure within a secure, integrated precinct, expanding Queensland's sovereign defence capability through advanced aerospace engineering and manufacturing.
It is expected to support around 150 jobs during construction and create around 100 ongoing high-skilled jobs once operational.
The project was selected through a competitive, merit‑based assessment process, following strong interest in the Fund, with a focus on investment‑ready proposals capable of delivering long‑term economic value for Queensland.
The $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund forms part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to revitalise Queensland's industrial base, attract private investment and secure long-term economic growth, by backing projects that are shovel-ready and will deliver lasting value to Queensland.
Unlike the former Labor Government's haphazard approach to industry development, the Crisafulli Government's $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund is helping build sovereign industry capability and leveraging Queensland's strengths in the re-focused State Development priorities of Biomedical, Defence and Biofuels.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the Sovereign Industry Development Fund was focused on delivery and backing investment‑ready projects that would deliver real sovereign capability, secure jobs and long‑term economic value for Queenslanders.
"After a decade of decline under Labor, Queensland was left without the strategic focus required to grow critical industries and maximise the opportunities presented by our sovereign industries," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Queensland has the resources, the workforce and the expertise to be a national leader in defence capabilities, so let's take advantage of them to make more of what we need, support local supply chains and build better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
"This is the first defence project supported under the Sovereign Industry Development Fund, backing investment-ready projects that will deliver real capability, support Australian defence priorities and create high-value jobs for Queenslanders.
"HeliMods is a great example of a home-grown company delivering world-class aerospace and defence innovation, and this investment will enable them to scale their operations and compete on a global stage.
"Queensland has a critical role to play in strengthening Australia's defence capability, and this project will help build the advanced manufacturing and supply chain capacity needed to support that."
Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said the Sunshine Coast had the talent and capability to play a major role in strengthening Queensland's sovereign industries, and backing local businesses was key to creating jobs and growing the regional economy.
"Here on the Sunshine Coast, our community has the skills, talent and determination to help drive Queensland's sovereign capability, and it's great to be part of a government prepared to back that potential," Ms Hatcher said.
"For too long, the Sunshine Coast's contribution was overlooked, but the Crisafulli Government is ensuring communities across our region have the support needed to attract investment, grow local industries and create secure jobs.
"By supporting local businesses and locally made products, we're helping build a stronger regional economy from the ground up."
HeliMods Founder and Managing Director Will Shrapnel said the funding was a landmark vote of confidence by the Crisafulli Government in the growth of sovereign manufacturing and advanced industry in Queensland.
"This investment will deliver a world-class Advanced Industry Precinct at Caloundra Aerodrome, building on our proven track record in delivering critical technologies to first responders and frontline personnel globally," Mr Shrapnel said.
"Most importantly, this investment will secure high-value industry and long-term economic opportunity on the Sunshine Coast for generations to come."
The project is expected to begin construction in late 2026 and be completed in-2028.
