The Queensland Government has announced $3.05 million in funding for a drone manufacturing project in South East Queensland, supporting the expansion of local manufacturing capabilities for Australian-designed uncrewed aerial systems.
According to the state government, the funding has been awarded to veteran-owned EPE Oceania through the state’s $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF). The investment will support the upgrade and expansion of the company’s existing Brisbane manufacturing facility to design, build and test Australian-developed small uncrewed aerial systems, along with adaptable drone components and technology.
The government said the project, known as Project MOSAIC and delivered in partnership with Grabba Technology Pty Ltd, is expected to strengthen Australia’s ability to manufacture and support small drone systems locally while creating 25 highly skilled jobs.
The investment will also fund expanded manufacturing and testing facilities in South East Queensland and digital infrastructure to support Queensland companies developing drone systems for defence applications and export markets.
The Queensland Government said Project MOSAIC was selected through a competitive, merit-based assessment process after the SIDF received more than 250 applications seeking over $2.2 billion in funding. The fund is intended to support investment-ready projects in the defence, biomedical and biofuels sectors.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the fund was focused on projects that would strengthen sovereign capability and generate long-term economic benefits.
“Queensland is building the capability to design and manufacture next-generation technologies locally, and this project is part of that,” Bleijie said.
“It strengthens local manufacturing, supports supply chains and creates skilled jobs in a growing advanced manufacturing sector.
“We’re also proud to back veteran-owned businesses like EPE Oceania, creating new opportunities for former Defence personnel to use their skills in civilian jobs here in Queensland.”
The Queensland Government said EPE Oceania has a strong veteran workforce, with the project supporting former Australian Defence Force personnel transitioning into advanced manufacturing roles. Queensland is home to more than 163,000 current and former defence personnel, according to the government.
EPE Oceania chief executive officer Warwick Penrose welcomed the funding, saying it would help accelerate the company’s manufacturing plans.
“This support will help accelerate the industrialisation and export of Australian sovereign uncrewed aerial systems developed and manufactured right here in Queensland,” Penrose said.
“Project MOSAIC brings together two innovative Queensland companies to build a scalable, trusted sovereign capability that strengthens Australia’s defence preparedness, creates highly skilled local jobs and expands opportunities for Queensland manufacturers throughout the supply chain.”
Grabba Technologies acting managing director Ross McKinnon said the project represented an important step for the state’s drone manufacturing sector.
“The capabilities and skills roles delivered through the SIDF grant are pivotal in ensuring Australia’s long-term national security objectives,” McKinnon said.
The Queensland Government said the Sovereign Industry Development Fund forms part of its strategy to support industrial development by attracting private investment and backing projects aimed at strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability across priority sectors.
