BRISBANE, Queensland, Aug. 20 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations

The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie

* Crisafulli Government backs major defence push in Toowoomba - investing $12 million for Australia's first sovereign wide-body aircraft paint and refinishing facility through the flagship $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, attracting nearly $52 million investment. * US-based Landlocked Aviation's new facility will create over 750 new jobs in operation and construction in the Toowoomba region, with completion due early 2028. * TheCrisafulli 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 awarded $12 million through the flagship $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund to US-based aircraft maintenance company, Landlocked Aviation, to establish Australia's first wide-body aircraft paint and refinishing facility at Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba.

The project will deliver a purpose-built 7,685m2 facility equipped with aviation-grade paint and refinishing infrastructure capable of servicing wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, positioning Toowoomba as a nationally significant defence maintenance hub.

The new facility will support Defence and commercial aircraft painting and refinishing, reducing Australia's reliance on offshore providers who complete the vast majority of this essential maintenance work overseas.

The capability delivered by the project includes wide-body and narrow-body aircraft refinishing services, including full aircraft strip and repaint, partial repaints, blending work, and corrosion protection services.

Once operational, the facility is set to generate more than 150 highly skilled jobs in Toowoomba, along with up to 600 roles during the construction phase, creating significant employment opportunities for Queenslanders in the Darling Downs Region, with operations expected to commence in 2028.

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 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.

"This investment will establish a critical and unique defence and aviation capability in Toowoomba, creating jobs, strengthening local supply chains and ensuring Australia is less reliant on offshore providers," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

"Landlocked currently operate such facilities in the United States and we have been able to lure them to Queensland with our clear direction to support the defence supply chain here.

"We are ensuring government investment is flowing to the right projects that are ready to proceed and capable of delivering tangible outcomes across Queensland.

"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.

"Whether it's in the north, the south, out west or on the range, Queensland plays a vital role in supporting Australia's defence capability through the Sovereign Industry Development Fund."

Member for CondaminePat Weir said the project was a major win for the Toowoomba region, creating jobs while strengthening sovereign capability.

"Queensland has an important role to play in strengthening Australia's sovereign defence capability, and this investment demonstrates how regional communities can lure international companies to communities like Toowoomba, delivering new jobs and skills," Mr Weir said.

"This investment is a significant vote of confidence in the Toowoomba region and our local capabilities."

Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba SouthDavid Janetzki said the investment demonstrated the Crisafulli Government's commitment to backing industries that deliver long-term economic growth and skilled jobs.

"This project is exactly the type of investment Queensland needs, attracting private sector confidence, creating skilled jobs and growing our industrial capability for the future," Treasurer Janetzki said.

"Toowoomba is increasingly being recognised as a destination for major investment, and this facility will strengthen our reputation as a hub for aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing."

Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said the project would deliver lasting benefits for families and businesses across the region.

"This investment will create opportunities for local people to build highly skilled careers without leaving the region, while supporting hundreds of jobs during construction," Mr Watts said.

"Projects like this help secure Toowoomba's future by attracting new industries, supporting local suppliers and creating opportunities for the next generation of Queensland workers."

Landlocked Aviation Services Australia Managing Direction Andrew Howard said the investment would help deliver an Australian first.

"Australia does not currently have an onshore capability to repaint wide-body aircraft. When these aircraft need repainting, the work goes offshore, along with the skills and economic activity it supports. From 2028, we intend for that work to stay in Australia and be done here at Wellcamp," Mr Howard said.

"The Queensland Government recognised the gap in Australia's sovereign aviation capability and the opportunity to build on the significant aerospace and Defence industry already established in Queensland. Its support gives others the confidence to invest alongside us and makes it possible to move this project from a set of plans towards delivery at Wellcamp.

"Aircraft refinishing is highly skilled trade work, learned through formal training and practical experience on the hangar floor. We will take on apprentices from our first year of operation and with UniSQ and TAFE Queensland on our doorstep, the Toowoomba region is the right place to build that workforce and create lasting aviation careers."

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Ash McDermid, 0412 731 355

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.