Boeing plane manufacturing facility to be built in regional Queensland, creating hundreds of jobs

Boeing has announced it will build a plane manufacturing facility in Toowoomba that is expected to create more than 300 jobs across regional Queensland.

The advanced manufacturing facility will be built at Wellcamp airport near Toowoomba in southern Queensland.

The facility will manufacture Loyal Wingman planes — an uncrewed aircraft with artificial intelligence that has been developed by Boeing and used by the Royal Australian Air Force.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was expected to create 300 jobs and 70 operational jobs.

Speaking at the Wellcamp facility in Toowoomba, Ms Palaszczuk said it was the first time Boeing would set up a facility of this scale outside of North America.

Ms Palaszczuk said projects like this were possible in Queensland because of the state’s strong health response to COVID-19.

“When we look at diversifying our economy and the fact that we can actually have opportunities like this here in Queensland, essentially [it’s] because we’ve had that strong health response,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said it was a “significant” decision by Boeing.

“After scouring the state, looking all over the state for the best place to manufacture this aircraft, they have decided that the Wellcamp precinct at Wellcamp airport is the best place for that facility to be constructed,” he said.

Queensland hopes to become leader of aerospace industry

Mr Dick said the Department of Defence was working closely with Boeing.

“We know the federal government is working very closely with Boeing on determining the order that they require,” Mr Dick said.

“Subject to those final decisions, that facility will be built here and the aircraft will be made in Queensland.”

He said the interior of each aircraft will be painted maroon and will carry a “Made in Queensland” stamp.

Mr Dick said he hoped Queensland will become a leader in the aerospace and aviation industry.

He said the government has a 10-year plan to grow the sector.

“We want this facility to be constructed here to be an attractive for other investment for other people who want to invest in advanced manufacturing technology, aviation, aerospace,” he said.

“We have a 10-year plan for growing the aviation and aerospace industry in Queensland, and we are delivering.”