Queensland businesses will be in the box seat to win international defence and aerospace supply chain contracts with the State Government launching a $1.5 million fund to assist small-to-medium enterprises to compete more strongly in the global marketplace.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Defence and Aerospace Industry Development (DAID) Fund will help boost the recognition of Queensland businesses.
"The first stream will give Queensland SMEs access of up to $30,000 in matched funding to attain globally recognised certification, so they can secure defence and aerospace supply chain contracts," Mr Dick said.
"The next stream of the fund, proposed to open next year, will support SMEs to participate in targeted international trade shows to engage with national and international companies.
"We are committed to giving Queensland businesses the best opportunity to thrive so we can keep building an economy that is sustainable, diverse and inclusive.
"Through this fund, we're delivering on our Queensland Defence and Aerospace Industries' 10-Year Roadmaps and Action Plans."
Mr Dick said Queensland is on the cusp of a defence jobs boost on the back of the historic LAND 400 Phase 2 project that was secured by Rheinmetall Defence Australia with the full backing of the Queensland Government.
"Winning the $5.2 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 project was an incredibly hard-fought battle, and we want Queensland SMEs to benefit from new potential contracts," he said.
"A project of this calibre is expected to create up to 450 jobs for Queenslanders at the MILVEHCOE and through the local supply chain, pumping more than $1 billion into the economy over the life of the project."
From Friday, Queensland SMEs can apply for certification funding by completing a DAID Fund Application Form, available at www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au up until 5pm on Thursday, 12 December 2019.
