- $1.3 million awarded through the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund to Leidos Australia in Cairns.
- Project will relocate and upgrade a Mission Equipment Service Centre, expanding capacity to maintain advanced airborne radar and electro-optic systems.
- Fund accelerates the growth of the Defence, Biomedical and Biofuels industries and builds sovereign capability in Queensland.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after Labor’s decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government has further reinforced Far North Queensland’s defence industry, with funding from the flagship $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, to support expansion of maintenance of Australia’s eyes in the sky
Leidos Australia will receive $1.3 million, enabling the local company to relocate and upgrade its Mission Equipment Service Centre and expand its capacity to maintain advanced airborne radar and electro-optic systems that are critical to Australia’s sovereign capability.
The investment will strengthen Queensland’s sovereign defence capability by enabling more sustainment work to be undertaken locally, positioning the facility as a primary maintenance facility for radars and electro-optic turrets in the Pacific, ensuring that this essential work does not go overseas.
Once operational in 2028, the upgraded facility will support the more than 100 existing Leidos staff, as well as create at least seven new mission equipment technician jobs in Cairns, positioning Queensland as a key location in northern Australia’s sovereign defence sustainment capability.
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 investment was strengthening Queensland’s sovereign defence capability and support industry growth in Far North Queensland.
“Queensland is open for business and also home to a growing defence industry, and this investment will strengthen the capability needed to support critical defence operations,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“By expanding advanced maintenance facilities in Cairns, we’re ensuring more specialised work can be undertaken here in Queensland, reducing reliance on offshore maintenance while supporting skilled jobs and economic growth.
“Unlike Labor, we’re backing investment-ready projects that strengthen Queensland’s priority industries and position the state as a key contributor to Australia’s national defence capability, not more thought bubbles or glossy brochures.”
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the project was delivering jobs and strengthen Cairns’ role in supporting Queensland’s defence industry.
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Cairns and the highly skilled workforce that supports advanced defence capability in Far North Queensland, after a decade of being left behind by Labor,” Mr James said.
“The upgraded Mission Equipment Service Centre will create skilled jobs, grow local capability and support the long-term operation of critical airborne radar and mission systems used across Australia.”
Member for Barron River Bree James said the Far North continued to prove it had the talent and capability to play a major role in strengthening Queensland’s sovereign industries.
“For too long, the Far North’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, Ms James said.
Queensland and Cairns are open for business and projects like this help diversify our regional economy and ensure Far North Queensland continues to attract high-value investment and industry opportunities.”
Leidos Australia CEO Paul Chase said the upgrade would expand the company’s ability to support critical mission systems from northern Australia.
“Leidos’ Mission Equipment Service Centre (MESC) delivers advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul services for complex maritime and airborne mission systems that are critical to national security and emergency response. The only facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the MESC provides sovereign support for radar, electro-optical, avionics and integrated mission systems.
“Leidos is grateful for Queensland’s support that will enable the MESC to continue maintaining, repairing and overhauling critical sensors across the region, while expanding support to additional sensors for military, police and other services. This grant will help sustain Australia’s sovereign capability and bolster Leidos’ presence in Cairns.”
