“The world has changed, and disruption is now the operating environment. The regions that thrive will embrace automation, strengthen local supply chains and build resilience. The answer to labour shortages isn’t simply more people – it’s smarter work. AI, digital employees and autonomous robotics can accelerate decisions, improve productivity and correct disruption in real time. This is about giving humans superagency and changing what our region is capable of.” – James Lisica
Nearly 200 business and industry representatives gathered at Jabiru Events Centre in Yeppoon on Friday 18 September for the 2026 Major Projects and Industry Forum, hearing updates on the investment, jobs and major developments shaping Central Queensland’s future.
Hosted by Capricorn Enterprise, the Forum brought together government, industry and private-sector leaders, with presentations spanning residential development, energy, mining and resources, infrastructure, manufacturing and major regional projects.
A highlight of the program was Global Supply Chain Futurist James Lisica, who delivered the keynote address on the “Future Economy of Central Queensland”, exploring global trends, supply chain shifts and the economic forces likely to influence the region in the years ahead.
The scale of activity across the region was reinforced by Construction Skills Queensland, which identified a $16.2 billion pipeline of major construction projects valued at $20 million or more starting across Central Queensland in 2026/27 and 2027/28. CSQ also highlighted Central Queensland as a leading non-Southeast Queensland region for projected building and engineering activity.
One of the Forum’s significant local manufacturing updates came from Keppel Eats, which outlined plans for a new 3,500-square-metre manufacturing facility in Yeppoon, designed to deliver around five times its current production capacity.
The expansion is expected to create 107 new direct jobs, generate approximately $222.26 million in output and contribute around $354.18 million annually to the broader Queensland economy.
Heritage Minerals provided an update on its Mount Morgan Tailings Processing and Rehabilitation Project, reporting $212 million in total supplier payments, including approximately $44 million with Central Queensland suppliers. The project also reported 695 contracted workers over the previous 12 months and an estimated 1,663 indirectly supported full-time-equivalent jobs.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads updated attendees on the $1.98 billion Rockhampton Ring Road, where major construction is continuing. As at mid-September, 1,400 piles had been installed and 685,000 cubic metres of earthworks placed since October 2025.
Residential growth was another major focus, with Livingstone Shire Council highlighting an economy that grew by more than $100 million between 2024 and 2025, at a reported growth rate of 4.6 per cent compared with 2.2 per cent for Queensland. More than 440 local jobs were created over the past year, with almost 1,500 additional jobs and more than 2,000 new businesses recorded since 2020.
Major residential developments presented included Mildura Rise, Lincoln Lifestyle Yeppoon, Ellida Estate and Ingenia Communities.
Procon Developments outlined plans for Mildura Rise, which will include 392 large lifestyle lots, alongside proposed healthcare, childcare, aged care, retail and commercial facilities. The development also proposes a 100 per cent renewable energy microgrid and on-site wastewater treatment system, with Stage One civil works underway and more than 30 per cent sold at the time of the presentation.
Energy was another key theme, with Stanwell reporting that its Unit 3 overhaul between May and August brought an additional 600 people to site and injected approximately $10 million into the local economy.
Ergon Energy Network also highlighted the importance of timely electricity connections as new homes, businesses and developments come online, alongside the growing complexity created by solar, batteries and electric vehicles. Queensland rooftop solar has now exceeded 6.5GW across more than 930,000 systems.
The wider future of the resources sector was explored by the Queensland Resources Council, Bravus Mining and Resources, Ark Energy and QMines, with discussions spanning critical minerals, investment, approvals, energy infrastructure and regional communities. The Queensland Resources Council highlighted the resources sector’s significant contribution to the region, including $10.6 billion to the Fitzroy economy in 2024–25.
With BEEF2027 returning to Rockhampton in May next year, Beef Australia CEO Simon Irwin highlighted the significant value major regional events bring to the local economy. BEEF2024 attracted 125,000 people and generated 110,789 visitor nights in Greater Rockhampton, delivering an estimated $110 million in direct economic impact and employment activity equivalent to 1,380 full-time positions.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said the Forum demonstrated the breadth of opportunity across Central Queensland.
“From major infrastructure and resources projects to manufacturing, housing, energy and regional events, there is a significant pipeline of activity across our region,” Mary said. “With nearly 200 business and industry representatives in the room, the strong attendance reflected the level of interest in the projects, investment and opportunities shaping Central Queensland’s future.”
“The Major Projects and Industry Forum connects local businesses directly with the people leading these projects, helping them understand what is coming and how they can position themselves to benefit from future investment and growth.”
The Forum featured presentations from the Queensland Resources Council, Stanwell, Ergon Energy Network, Bravus Mining and Resources, Ark Energy, Heritage Minerals, Department of Transport and Main Roads, Blueprint Livingstone, Keppel Eats, Beef Australia, QMines and Construction Skills Queensland, together with representatives from major residential developments across Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast.
2026 Major Projects and Industry Forum Images Available Here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iZ_bz6NEUm-Z_p1hkO7NzwQ9km9vRv3W
