New $50 Million Queensland Grant to Accelerate Digital Transformation Across South-East Queensland
The Queensland and Australian Governments have launched their jointly funded $50 million Local Digital Priority Projects (LDPP) program, providing significant funding for projects that strengthen digital infrastructure, accelerate AI and digital capability, and grow South-East Queensland's technology ecosystem.
Grant funding ranges from $100,000 to $5 million, with projects to be delivered across the South-East Queensland region. The strongest applications are expected to involve collaboration between businesses, local governments, industry groups, universities and other organisations to create lasting benefits for communities, industries and the broader economy.
Provided below are further details on each of the three funding streams that comprise this grant program.
Stream 1 – Improving Connectivity & Productivity
Funding: $1 million–$5 million
This stream is primarily focused on digital infrastructure and is best suited to Local Governments, telecommunications providers, infrastructure owners and private organisations partnering with councils.
Examples of suitable projects include:
Public Wi-Fi solutions
Regional fibre and connectivity upgrades
Smart precinct digital infrastructure
Carrier-neutral digital infrastructure
Edge data centres and shared digital infrastructure facilities.
While private businesses are eligible, projects will generally need to demonstrate clear regional benefits and Local Government support.
Stream 2 – Building Digital Capability & Inclusion
Funding: $100,000–$1 million
This stream is likely to present the strongest opportunities for many businesses and industry organisations.
It supports initiatives that help businesses and communities adopt digital technologies, including AI, cyber security and Industry 4.0 capability.
Potential projects include:
AI adoption and implementation programs for SMEs
Digital transformation initiatives
Cyber security capability programs
Industry-led digital training, upskilling and mentoring programs.
This stream is likely to be particularly relevant for AI solution providers, technology consultants, industry associations, Chambers of Commerce and organisations delivering digital capability programs across groups of businesses.
Stream 3 – Supporting High-Skilled Industries & Jobs
Funding: $100,000–$1 million
The third stream focuses on strengthening South-East Queensland's digital innovation ecosystem and developing future technology industries.
Examples of funding targets include:
AI and digital innovation / technology hubs
Startup accelerators and technology incubators
Industry–university collaboration programs
Digital workforce development initiatives and tech mentoring schemes.
This stream is well suited to innovation organisations, universities, startup support organisations, technology businesses and collaborative partnerships seeking to build long-term regional capability.
Key Takeaways
Importantly, this is not simply a grant for purchasing software or implementing an internal AI solution. Instead, the LDPP grants program is designed to support South-East Queensland focused projects that deliver broader economic, industry or community benefits through collaboration and digital transformation.
If your organisation is considering a digital transformation, AI capability or regional innovation project, now is an excellent time to begin identifying potential partners and assessing whether the project aligns with one of the three grant streams for this new digital support program.
Applications are now open and will close for all three grant streams on Monday 24 August 2026.
Our team is happy to assist interested businesses and organisations that are considering an application, and can provide expert analysis of your eligibility to determine the correct stream, or to help prepare a highly competitive application. Please reach out if you are keen to discuss this program further.