Industries

Ipswich is home to the RAAF Base Amberley, Australia’s largest air force base and a major employer with approximately 5,000 staff. It is the region’s second-largest export sector, contributing $1.9 billion and over 20% of total exports, well above Queensland’s average of 1.9%. The sector adds 9.5% of local value and has grown by over $370 million over five years.

Ipswich has emerged as a defence industry hub, home to major defence primes including Rheinmetall, Boeing Defence Australia, Raytheon Australia, Northrop Grumman and Saab. Rheinmetall operates the $170 million MILVEHCOE in Redbank, Australia’s most advanced military vehicle manufacturing facility. Boeing Defence Australia and Raytheon Australia both maintain a strong presence at RAAF Base Amberley, supporting the airbases fleet and operations. Saab has expanded operations in Bundamba, enabling them to deploy health capability through more than 550 health modules.

Ipswich has a proud manufacturing heritage and today leads with a modern, globally connected industry that contributes significantly to Queensland’s economy. In 2024, manufacturing generated almost $3.5 billion in exports - over 40% of the region’s total, with the sector creating over 10,000 jobs.

Historically a well-known rail manufacturer, Ipswich is now a hub for aerospace, defence, and food manufacturing, with the sector contributing $1.6 billion in value, up 14% over the last five years. Food product manufacturing alone accounts for $1.2 billion in exports, $370 million in value added, and 2.6% of total jobs.

Home to JBS Australia’s Northern Division HQ and the largest beef processing facility in the southern hemisphere, Ipswich is strategically positioned with strong transport links and access to premium cattle supply.

As a major production and distribution centre for national and international food markets, Ipswich continues to attract investment in food packaging, agri-tourism, and advanced manufacturing.

Ipswich is emerging as a first-class health hub, driven by major public and private investment across healthcare and allied services. The Health Care and Social Assistance industry is the region’s second-largest employer, generating over 17,000 full-time jobs.

Springfield Central is a globally recognised centre for medical innovation, research, and wellness. West Moreton Health, Queensland’s fastest-growing health region and Ipswich’s second-largest employer, delivers preventative and primary care backed by a vibrant research culture.

Health clusters in Ipswich Central and Greater Springfield contribute significantly to the regional economy, adding $977 million in value and driving workforce growth. The Queensland Government has committed over $750 million in capital works, reinforcing Ipswich’s position as a health and wellbeing destination of regional and national significance.

Ipswich is known as a major warehousing logistics hub for transporting goods nationally and internationally. Its ideal location in the heart of South East Queensland coupled with its well-established rail infrastructure and connectivity to major highways, Port of Brisbane and Brisbane Airport creates a regional advantage for continued growth across the industry.

Transport, Postal and Warehousing industry generates more than 5,800 full-time jobs and over $700 million in exports. Ipswich boasts location, accessibility, an established industry, skilled workforce and industrial zoned land which has attracted Australia Post to build its largest facility in the southern hemisphere at Redbank Motorway Estate, a $240 million investment generating over 500 jobs. The Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area is the future for South East

Queensland. It will support national supply chains, Inland Rail, the proposed Ebenezer Intermodal Terminal, provide trunk infrastructure to nearby residential expansion areas and attract 3,000 jobs to the area.