QLD Local Digital Priority Projects Funding Program

Funding up to $5 million is available.
Activities are expected to be completed by 31 December 2028.
Applications close 24 August 2026

The Local Digital Priority Projects funding program supports digital uplift across South East Queensland through investment in place-based digital infrastructure, improved connectivity, digital capability and inclusion, and the growth of high-skilled industries and jobs. The program provides funding for eligible projects that address local economic, business and social priorities across the region.

Eligible projects may include public Wi-Fi solutions, connectivity upgrades, carrier-neutral digital infrastructure, digital skills training, red tape reduction initiatives, digital innovation hubs, support for technology startups, and partnerships that grow the pipeline of digital talent. The program is competitive and supports eligible local governments, private sector entities, public sector entities, not-for-profits, community service organisations, regional economic development organisations and chambers of commerce, depending on the relevant funding stream

Key Requirements

Support digital uplift across South East Queensland: Projects must align with the program objective to improve connectivity and productivity, build digital capability and inclusion, or support the growth of high-skilled industries and jobs across the region.
Deliver place-based digital infrastructure or capability: Projects should address local connectivity gaps, improve digital service access, support more reliable service delivery, and respond to specific local economic, business or social priorities.
Be delivered in an eligible location: Projects must be undertaken in Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast or Toowoomba.
Meet delivery and funding requirements: Projects must fall within the relevant funding caps, or have approval for a larger amount, have sufficient funding for costs not covered by the grant, and be capable of completion by 31 December 2028.
Demonstrate benefits and value for money: Applications are assessed on benefits for the South East Queensland region, support for local business, employment and economic development opportunities for First Nations peoples, and efficient use of resources.

What is eligible for funding?

Public Wi-Fi solutions, including in social housing.
Connectivity upgrades for local governments and businesses, including fibre to the premises, dark fibre or low earth orbit satellite solutions.
Carrier-neutral digital infrastructure and facilities to house digital infrastructure.
Feasibility studies or business cases to support investment in common digital solutions across South East Queensland.
Short-term training to address digital skills shortages, including artificial intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity
Programs that support vulnerable Queenslanders to get online and learn digital skills.
Training, mentoring and support for small-to-medium enterprises to upskill in digital capability.
Digital innovation or technology hubs, digital strategies, tech startup support, mentoring schemes, and digital automation or integration projects.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible local governments that were members of the Council of Mayors South East Queensland as at 21 March 2022.
Private sector entities, including for-profit businesses.
Public sector entities for Streams 2 and 3, including Queensland Government statutory bodies, Queensland Government owned corporations, Queensland-based universities and Queensland-based research institutes.
Not-for-profit entities, regional economic development organisations, chambers of commerce and community service organisations for Streams 2 and 3.
Applicants must be a legal entity, have an active ABN, be registered for GST, have a registered place of business in an eligible location, and demonstrate sufficient intellectual property rights to undertake the project.
Eligible applicants may partner with other organisations, however one eligible applicant must submit the application and act as project lead.
For Stream 1, where a private sector entity is the primary applicant, it must demonstrate support from an eligible local government.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

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