Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Townsville’s growing sovereign capabilities

Townsville's growing sovereign capabilities. Townsville Enterprise. BDmag Jan-Mar 2025.

In the heart of regional Queensland, Townsville North Queensland is emerging as a vital nexus of sovereign capabilities, positioning itself at the forefront of Australia’s future economic and strategic landscape.

As the nation heads towards the 2025 Federal Election, the city’s growing expertise in defence, onshore manufacturing, critical mineral refining, and renewable energy production is proving vital to the country’s energy security and national resilience. Through initiatives like the North Queensland Hydrogen Consortium, JetZero’s sustainable aviation fuel project, ABEL Energy’s methanol facility and the immense value of the Northwest Queensland critical minerals corridor, Townsville is not just preparing for the future – it’s actively shaping it.

A rising hub for onshore manufacturing and critical minerals

One of the most striking aspects of the region’s recent transformation is its burgeoning role in onshore manufacturing and critical minerals refining. As global supply chains become increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical shifts and environmental disruptions, Australia has begun to refocus efforts on securing critical industries within its own borders. Here in the North, this shift is well underway.

Director Regional Development and Investment, Chris McDougall, says the city has become a magnet for investment in manufacturing sectors once dominated by overseas production.

“Significant activity in industries such as advanced manufacturing, metal and mineral processing, and defence, will see several high-profile projects break ground in the coming years,” Chris says.

“The region’s focus on onshore production not only strengthens local economies but also gives us the sovereign supply chain that decreases our reliance on imports and ensures there’s an opportunity to value-add through battery manufacturing, energy storage, and local refining or processing.

“With an investment pipeline of over $36 billion, from both public and private investors, Townsville North Queensland is rapidly establishing itself as a manufacturing powerhouse in the North, strategically critical to the world’s decarbonisation plan.”

Defence capabilities: a strategic advantage

Following announcements early in 2024, Townsville is now Australia’s capital of defence, home to Lavarack Barracks, one of the largest military bases in Australia. The region’s role in Australia’s Defence Strategy will see an additional $8.5 billion in defence capability investment, making it a pivotal player in the nation’s security framework.

With the region’s proximity to the Pacific and Southeast Asia, Townsville is uniquely positioned to support Australia’s military forces. This, coupled with an increasing presence of advanced military technology, and robust training and logistical facilities, further cements the city’s role as a cornerstone of the nation’s defence infrastructure.

An example of cutting-edge innovation is the newly developed North Queensland Simulation Park (NQSpark) supporting training, research, education, and test and evaluation endeavours, with a particular focus on defence.

Cubic Defence Australia has its national headquarters in Townsville and is excited about growth opportunities in the region across its field of advanced collective training and simulation.

Edify’s proposed green hydrogen plan within the the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct (artist render)

“The growing demand for advanced technology means Townsville can expect to see a host of new employment opportunities in the defence industry, including in our field of training and simulation,” Director of Strategic Development Mark Horn says.

“Given our commitment to the region and to skills and workforce growth, we’re piloting a nationally recognised training qualification in simulation and interactive technologies with veterans and school students, to ensure we build the necessary capabilities in the region.”

Renewable energy and future fuels: leading the charge

Beyond defence and manufacturing, Townsville is at the vanguard of Australia’s renewable energy transition, with the city fast becoming a key player in sustainable fuel production. After years of relying on imported oil and gas, Townsville is taking significant steps toward addressing the nation’s fuel security, with groundbreaking projects that will produce the next generation of low-carbon fuels.

North Queensland Hydrogen Consortium brings together several major players, including localand international companies aiming to establishTownsville as a leading hydrogen hub. Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a critical energy source for the future, particularly in the decarbonisation of heavy industry and transportation.


JetZero is a pioneering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project – the first of its kind in Northern Australia. Focused on producing SAF locally using renewable energy to reduce the carbon footprint of Australia’s aviation sector, this project will reduce Australia’s reliance on imported fuel and opens up significant export opportunities in the fast-growing global SAF market.


ABEL Energy Methanol Project is a world-class methanol production facility in Townsville which will help reduce Australia’s reliance on fossil fuel imports while positioning the city as a key player in the growing global methanol market.


Strategic Role in the Election Debate

For the first time in decades, Townsville is poised to play a central role in Australia’s energy future. Moving beyond its historical reliance on external sources and establishing itself as a key player in the nation’s quest for energy sovereignty and sustainability. As Australia heads towards the 2025 federal election, the strategic advantages offered by Townsville’s expanding sovereign capabilities will play a critical role in national conversations.

Main image: Sun Metals Zinc Refinery
Image credits: Townsville Enterprise Limited

Picture of BDMag

BDMag

Compiled by the BDmag editorial team
Picture of BDMag

BDMag

Compiled by the BDmag editorial team