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The Queensland Government has announced $7.5 million in funding to support major testing and evaluation launch project in Western Queensland, under the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
Queensland-based defence technology company Black Sky Aerospace (Black Sky Industries) has received the funding to help deliver a new large-scale testing and evaluation launch site at its 3-million-acre range near Thargomindah, enabling defence and aerospace equipment to be safely tested in Queensland. Construction will commence in late 2026, with operations to commence in 2028.
The facility will be Australia’s first and only privately owned horizontal launch and guided-weapons test and evaluation range, positioning Queensland as a national leader in defence industry investment.
Once operational in mid-2028, Black Sky’s MaxQ Phase 1 Infrastructure Program will provide domestic and allied users with access to large-scale test and evaluation infrastructure, with the Sovereign Industry Development Fund contributing to construction of a 2.5km runway, fixed and mobile launch infrastructure and secure explosive storage.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was backing Queensland’s sovereign industries to strengthen Australia’s defence capability and grow the State’s economy.
“Through the Sovereign Industry Development Fund, we’re backing projects like Black Sky Aerospace that will build Queensland’s defence capability, create skilled jobs and cement our reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing and defence innovation,” the Deputy Premier said.
“After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is taking a strategic approach to growing Queensland’s sovereign industries because we know they are critical to our economic future and our national security.
“This investment will enable critical defence systems to be tested here in Queensland, reducing reliance on overseas facilities while supporting local businesses, local workers and local supply chains.
“We’re investing in projects that are ready to deliver, attract private investment and position Queensland as the destination of choice for sovereign defence industries.”
Black Sky’s project is expected to create around 60 jobs, including construction and ongoing operational roles, while strengthening regional supply chains and supporting economic activity in Western Queensland.
Black Sky Aerospace chief executive officer Blake Nikolic said the investment would accelerate Australia’s sovereign testing capability.
“This project represents a significant step forward in establishing Australia’s sovereign testing and evaluation capability for defence and aerospace systems,” Mr Nikolic said.
“The MaxQ Test and Evaluation Range Infrastructure Upgrade will provide the defence and space industry with access to large-scale testing infrastructure not currently available in Australia, supporting local supply chains and enabling faster development.”
The Sovereign Industry Development Fund is designed to revitalise Queensland’s industrial base by supporting strategic and catalytic partnerships with industry that attract private investment, supports jobs and builds sovereign capability – including enhanced defence manufacturing, sustainment and supply chains.
Robert Dougherty
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