A haven for sun-worshippers, Australia’s second-largest state, Queensland, is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. It is also known as Australia’s space coast.

Queensland’s burgeoning space industry currently supports over 2,000 full-time jobs and generates $760 million in annual revenue, with another $500 million in value added to downstream industries, such as earth observation. And now, the Queensland Government has launched an $8 million investment strategy in a quest to create up to 6,000 high-value space industry jobs and contribute $3.5 billion to $6 billion to the economy by 2036.

Apart from being Australia’s most advantageous location for satellite launches, Queensland has a long history in robotics and remote asset management through its mining and advanced manufacturing industries. The state is also home to several key research and development organizations supporting the space industry, including the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, CSIRO, University of Southern Queensland, and Griffith University.

Mt Kent Observatory, Queensland’s professional astronomical research facility

The new investment strategy will leverage these strengths to bolster Queensland’s space industry capability and help the industry tap into international markets.

According to State Development Minister Cameron Dick, the government is keen to support the development of common-user infrastructure such as an orbital launch and static rocket testing facilities, satellite ground stations and a data analytics hub, promoting skills and career pathways, and assisting businesses in accessing supply chain opportunities and federal programs.

There will also be a dedicated focus on helping Queensland connect with industries that stand to benefit from space-enabled services, like remote sensing, and help businesses working in the space industry to reach larger markets both domestically and abroad.

Some Queensland-based private space industry players were quick to welcome the development, with Gilmour Space Technologies founder and CEO Adam Gilmour commenting, “The ever-increasing demand for big data is driving the world’s demand for satellite services and the need to launch, build and control satellites. With Queensland’s existing industry and geographical strengths, the opportunity is huge.”

Others like Rightsize Technology CEO Jarrod C. took to social media to wonder if the scale of investment was too less compared to the goals the Queensland Government had set out for itself. “Your investment needs to be more like $300 million,” Jarrod said.