But behind the scenes making it all possible are State development areas (SDAs) –strategically planned industrial hubs managed by the Coordinator-General.
These purpose-planned industrial hubs bring together land, infrastructure and approvals to turn big ideas into reality.
What are SDAs and why do they matter?
SDAs provide dedicated land for industries of national, state and regional significance.
They are designed to give industry:
- certainty about what can be built and where, with access to transport networks including ports, rail lines or major roads
- clear development pathways through planning and development schemes
- long-term protection for industrial uses
- coordinated land-use planning.
Put simply, SDAs take complexity out of major project planning by aligning land, infrastructure and approvals from the outset.
And that alignment matters. For investors, it reduces risk. For communities, it means development that is better planned, more sustainable and delivers real local benefits like jobs, infrastructure and long-term growth.
What this looks like on the ground
Across Queensland, SDAs continue to attract significant investment interest. In the 2025–26 financial year, development approvals granted by the Coordinator-General represented more than $1.3 billion in potential capital investment, while projects commenced operation or construction represented more than $600 million in investment and were estimated to support almost 1000 jobs.
Gladstone: enabling large-scale industry and investment
The Gladstone SDA in Central Queensland is a well-established industrial hub offering large, strategically located land, with excellent access to infrastructure including major port, highway, rail, power and more.
Alpha HPA chose the Gladstone SDA as the primary location for their HPA project because of the proximity to industrial services in the Gladstone region and to be close to their key business partner, Orica. Construction on their facility expansion is underway – a $273 million investment to establish the world’s largest single-site ultra-high purity aluminum refinery.
Gladstone continues to attract investment by building on its strong industrial base, with opportunities for proponents to co-locate alongside existing minerals processing, manufacturing and export operations.
The Coordinator-General has approved Grenof’s $150 million Project Halogen — a proposed chlor-alkali facility that would produce essential chemicals used by other industries in the SDA and across industries including water treatment, resources and manufacturing.
The project highlights the role of the Gladstone State Development Area in supporting large-scale industrial investment, strengthening domestic supply chains and creating opportunities for regional economic development.
Townsville: advancing critical minerals and advanced manufacturing
The Townsville SDA is playing a critical role in growing Queensland’s critical minerals and bio-fuels sectors.
Recent developments in the Cleveland Bay Industrial Park have also driven significant investment and job creation, alongside initiatives such as the Queensland Resources Common User Facility (QRCUF), designed to support minerals processing and innovation and strengthen Townsville’s industrial capability.
The Coordinator-General has approved Jet Zero’s $842 million Project Ulysses – a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) biorefinery for Australia’s first Alcohol-to-Jet fuel plant which is proposed to produce up to 102 million litres of SAF and 11 million litres of renewable diesel annually.
The project aligns with Queensland’s Fuel Security Plan and broader commitment to building sovereign capability and is supported through the Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program. It will deliver wide-ranging benefits, including strengthening Queensland’s fuel security, reducing reliance on international supply chains, supporting, and creating high-value jobs in the Townsville region.
Supported by the Port of Townsville and strong transport connections, these developments are enabling more value to be added to Queensland’s resources onshore – creating skilled jobs and strengthening regional supply chains.
Delivering for regions and communities
SDAs are enabling real outcomes for regional Queensland. SDAs support:
- local employment and skills development
- stronger regional economies
- improved infrastructure and services
- increased resilience through industrial diversification.
The OCG is committed to ongoing engagement with communities and stakeholders, helping ensure development aligns with local needs and expectations.
Unlock your next investment opportunity
In a competitive global market, certainty matters.
SDAs provide suitable land, coordinated planning and enabling infrastructure, helping projects move from planning to delivery with confidence.
Whether expanding operations or progressing new projects, SDAs offer a clear and confident pathway for industrial development for Queensland. Explore the opportunities within Queensland’s SDAs and connect with the Office of the Coordinator-General to discover how your investment can help shape the industries of tomorrow, while delivering real returns today.