A-Z of industries

Queensland is a vibrant state that supports a range of industries. From the dusty outback to pristine coastal waters, Queensland is a state rich in natural resources. Sustainable practices and innovative research contribute to Queensland's reputation as a world leader in many industries. Queensland is known around Australia and the world as a producer and exporter of high-quality, safe and environmentally sustainable goods. Below are links to information on the key industries in Queensland.

Advanced materials and clean technologies
Queensland's cleantech industry represents a diverse range of technologies, products, processes and services that measure, avoid, reduce or remediate negative environmental impacts.

Agriculture
The $13 billion primary industries sector in Queensland is thriving. Rich natural resources, innovative research and a commitment to sustainable farming all contribute to Queensland's international reputation for safe, clean and environmentally sustainable production. The primary industry sector includes:

• Aquaculture
  Queensland seafood is known worldwide as being of the highest quality as it is farmed in clean, unpolluted waters. Queensland is also free from many of the serious diseases that affect aquaculture in other countries. Major farmed species include prawns, barramundi, redclaw crayfish, and silver and jade perch.
• Australian skins
  Camel, crocodile, emu and goat skins and leathers are used to produce clothing, footwear, accessories and luggage. Australian skins are favoured by leading fashion designers due to their durability, suppleness, large hide sizes and unusual and distinctive grain patterns. Australia's exotic skins and leather products are exported to markets including the United States, China, Japan, France and Italy.
• Beef
  Queensland is Australia's largest supplier of beef. Each year, Queensland exports over $3.4 billion in high-quality beef products. Queensland has an international reputation for safe beef products due to superior research, development and production practices. Queensland beef is free from serious livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (also known as 'mad cow' disease).
• Bees
  Honeybees play a vital role in pollinating Queensland's agricultural and horticultural crops, as well as household gardens. Apples, avocados, stone fruits, melons and citrus fruits either depend on or benefit from honeybee pollination. There are more than 80,000 commercial hives in Queensland and each produces around 75kg of honey each year.
• Dairy
  The Queensland dairy industry is dedicated to boosting water, feeding and business efficiencies, and continuing to improve the nutritional quality of dairy products. In recent years, the Queensland specialist dairy industry has begun producing high-value products from cow, goat, sheep and buffalo milks to meet Australian and international demand.
• Fisheries
  Queensland's commercial fisheries industry contributes significantly to the Queensland and Australian economy. The 1500 licensed commercial fishing boats in Queensland generate more than 10% of Australia's seafood production in both quantity and value. In addition, other valuable fish products such as bait and aquarium fish are harvested under commercial harvest fishery licences.
• Forests and wood
  The forest industry has been an integral part of Queensland's economy since European settlement. The processing of forest products was one of the earliest manufacturing activities in Queensland. The forest industry continues to play a vital role in Queensland's economic, social and environmental wellbeing, especially in many rural and regional communities.
• Pig production
  The estimated gross farm-gate value of pig production and other sectors of the pork industry is more than $240 million each year. Most of Queensland's pig meat products supply the Australian market.
• Plant industries
  Innovations in plant varieties, cultural methods, management and marketing have made Queensland a world leader in horticulture. Queensland's plant industries are dedicated to developing better plant varieties and preventing the spread of pests and diseases.
• Poultry
  The Queensland poultry industry is experiencing strong growth. Queensland's eggs, meat, leather and other products are in demand due to their safe, wholesome production. Increased consumption of poultry meat, combined with improvements in the genetics of poultry birds and processing efficiencies, contributes to the sustainability of Queensland's poultry industry.
• Sheep
  Queensland's live sheep and sheep products such as meat and wool are exported to countries around the world. A focus on better nutrition, improved pest management and grazing land systems contributes to Queensland's reputation for sustainable sheep farming. Queensland sheep are affected by relatively few diseases.

Alternative and renewable fuels
Queensland's alternative and renewable fuels sector is an emerging industry. The major alternative fuels in Queensland are liquefied petroleum gas, ethanol and biodiesel. Queensland is well placed to grow its alternative and renewable fuels industry by building on long-established and successful industries in agriculture and mining.

Aviation and aerospace
Almost 30% of Australia's aviation firms are located in Queensland. After almost a decade of unprecedented growth, Queensland has become a centre for Australia's aerospace industry, helicopter industry, aviation training services and general aviation industry, and a hub for the research and development of emerging aviation technologies.

Biotechnology
Queensland's growing biotechnology industry is committed to sustainability and transparency. Queensland was the first jurisdiction in Australia to establish a biotechnology code of ethics, and introduce world's best practice biodiscovery legislation. Queensland biotechnology businesses are addressing global health and medical challenges.

Creative industries
The creative industries sector in Queensland is high energy, high value and focused on successfully commercialising ideas, knowledge and innovation. Queensland designers, actors, writers, entertainers, musicians and other creative individuals and businesses are attracting international attention. There is a demand within Australia and overseas for Queensland's creative products and services.

Defence
Queensland is home to 25% of Australian Defence Force personnel. As Australia's second largest state for defence employment, Queensland's defence industry significantly contributes to the economy. A variety of international businesses with defence capabilities base their headquarters or major operations in Queensland to take advantage of the large defence presence, along with the dynamic economy, skilled workforce and enviable lifestyle.

Energy
The energy industry in Queensland is robust and technologically advanced. Queensland is a world powerhouse in coal production. To meet the energy demands of Queensland's fast-growing population, economy and powerful industrial base, Queensland is investing in low-emission coal technologies, renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient measures.

Engineering and light metals
The engineering and light metals industry in Queensland is thriving. State-of-the-art facilities provide high-quality products to Australian and international customers. A range of products are designed and manufactured from metal in Queensland, including machine tools, structural steel, pipes and tubes, mining and railway equipment and machinery, and vehicle components.

Fibre composites
Fibre composites offer new ways of creating and manufacturing products that can decrease our reliance on less sustainable resources like native hardwood timber. When two elements are combined to form a fibre composite, benefits can include superior strength, durability or flexibility. Queensland has a strong and diverse fibre composites industry that produces innovative products for the world market.

Food
Queensland boasts a large and diverse food manufacturing industry renowned for producing high-quality, safe food at competitive prices. Superior fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood, meat, desserts, confectionery, dairy foods and ready-made meals are produced in Queensland and sold to Australian and international customers. Food is one of Queensland's largest export manufacturing industries.

Information and communication technology (ICT)
Talented Queensland software designers are delivering world-class ICT products and services to traditional industries such as mining, agriculture and tourism. Queensland's education and training facilities are producing skilled graduates who are contributing to advances in ICT. Queensland is also home to a growing number of corporate sector ICT research and development centres.

Liquefied natural gas
Much of Queensland's economic strength has been built on two key rural industries - agriculture and mining. Queensland's coal seam gas and liquefied natural gas industries are striving to manage the sustainable growth of both industries by providing a fuel source with low greenhouse gas emissions.

Marine
Queensland leads Australia in marine-related industries ranging from recreational boat building to dedicated superyacht berthing. The marine manufacturing industry in Queensland is well known for its advanced design, manufacturing and refit capabilities. Queensland produces 75% of the recreational boats manufactured in Australia. Pristine coastlines and natural attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef make Queensland a world-renowned cruising destination.

Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry has an $18.3-billion share of Queensland's economy, with around 11,000 businesses employing nearly 190,000 people. Queensland also plays a major role in Australia's advanced manufacturing industry, both in established and new sectors. Businesses in Queensland are showcasing their skills to worldwide markets in engineering, machinery and equipment, mineral and metal product manufacturing. Queensland manufacturers are known for their commitment to developing and using new technologies.

Mining and resources
Queensland is resource rich. With more than 30 billion tonnes of identified resources of black coal, Queensland is the world's largest seaborne coal exporter. Queensland is also rich in minerals and gemstones. There are a number of basins in Queensland that are currently producing, or have the potential to produce, oil and gas. Queensland's mining and resource industry is also exploring the production of geothermal energy that is virtually carbon dioxide emission free.

Real estate
The Queensland real estate industry makes a major contribution to the Queensland economy. From first home buyers to international investors, Queensland properties are in demand. To protect the interests of buyers and sellers, all real estate agents, restricted letting agents, property developers, auctioneers and pastoral house agents must be licensed before they can work in Queensland.

Sugar
The sugar industry is a cornerstone of many Queensland regional communities. Queensland produces around 95% of Australia's raw sugar, and around 85% of Queensland's raw sugar is sold on the world market. Sugar is worth $1.75 billion to the Australian economy. The Australian sugar industry produces around 4.75 million tonnes of sugar each year.

Therapeutic medicines and devices
Queensland is leading Australia in the manufacture of complementary medicines and generic pharmaceuticals. There are many innovative businesses that significant contribute to the therapeutic medicines and devices industry through high-quality research, development and manufacturing.

Tourism
Tourism is a vital industry that contributes billions of dollars to Queensland's economy each year. After coal, tourism is Queensland's biggest export earner. Queensland is a popular destination for Australia visitors and tourists from around the world. Recent investment in ecotourism and regional infrastructure will ensure Queensland tourism continues to be successful and sustainable.

Wine
Queensland wines are recognised as among the best in Australia. The Queensland wine industry is making an impression overseas, with several wineries exporting worldwide. There has been strong planting over recent years, particularly in South East Queensland. Wine tourism is a growing industry that attracts Australian and international tourists.