TSBE – Backing Regional Growth, Skills and Innovation in Toowoomba
The Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) was proud to attend the recent TSBE Manufacturing event at Wellcamp Airport — an event that highlighted just how quickly Queensland’s manufacturing landscape is evolving. With $29 million now being injected into Queensland’s manufacturing economy statewide, and a further $79.1 million in new industry grants currently being distributed across the regions, the momentum behind manufacturing, skills development and regional capability has never been stronger.
As South East Queensland reaches its natural limits for expansion, Toowoomba is emerging as the ideal location for the next stage of Queensland’s industrial growth. The region offers space, infrastructure, a motivated workforce and a forward-thinking business community. At the event, the message was clear: Toowoomba is not just participating in Queensland’s future — it is positioning itself as a major industrial hub ready to support advanced manufacturing, energy projects, defence capability and global export pathways.
One of the most compelling stories presented was the manufacturing of the Ghost Bat autonomous drone aircraft, a world-leading defence project being built right here in Toowoomba. This single initiative brings with it the need for around 120 highly skilled workers, ranging from engineering and fabrication to testing, logistics and operational support. It’s a powerful example of what the region is capable of when innovation meets local opportunity. It also reinforces the reality that high-value projects require a high-value workforce — something the region must continue to build at pace.
However, industry growth comes with challenges. Labour shortages and widening skill gaps were common themes throughout the event, particularly as Queensland opens nine new areas for gas exploration and ramps up activity across manufacturing, construction, gas, and defence. Businesses are ready to scale, but the workforce pipeline needs strengthening. This is where targeted training and genuine industry involvement become critical.
The discussions at Wellcamp made it clear that Queensland is driving innovation, improving supply chain resilience, reducing red tape, and positioning regional centres like Toowoomba as gateways to global markets. The opportunities ahead are significant — but they can only be realised with coordinated community, industry and training support.
For AWCC, this event wasn’t just another item on the calendar. It was a reflection of who we are and why we operate the way we do. While some training providers remain on the sidelines, AWCC is actively involved in the conversations shaping Toowoomba’s future. We were in the room, listening to industry leaders, understanding emerging workforce needs, and strengthening the relationships that help our region thrive. This is our difference. We are invested in the community, engaged with industry, and focused on delivering training that supports real jobs and real futures.
Toowoomba stands on the brink of major economic transformation. More manufacturing, more defence capability, more gas development, and more investment will mean more opportunities for local workers, school-leavers and career changers. With the right training, safety skills and industry readiness, the region can seize these opportunities and build a workforce that attracts even more projects to our doorstep.
AWCC is proud to be part of this momentum — supporting the region, strengthening industry capability, and helping ensure Toowoomba continues to grow as one of Queensland’s most important industrial centres. Our commitment to the community and our involvement in events like TSBE’s manufacturing showcase demonstrate our belief in this region: its people, its potential, and its future.
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