The Queensland Government has awarded $3.05 million to veteran-owned EPE Oceania to build drone systems in Brisbane.
The project will upgrade and expand an existing manufacturing facility for Australian-designed drone systems and adaptable drone components and technology.
The money has been allocated under the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF).
The EPE Oceania drone project is being delivered in partnership with Grabba Technology Pty Ltd under Project MOSAIC.
Project MOSAIC will bolster Australia’s ability to build and support small drone systems locally, supporting 25 highly-skilled jobs.
EPE Oceania is a veteran-owned business supporting former defence personnel to move into high‑value advanced manufacturing jobs.
The State Government funding followed “a competitive, merit based assessment process with a focus on investment-ready proposals capable of delivering long-term economic value for Queensland”, the government said in a statement.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Sovereign Industry Development Fund was focused on delivery and backing investment‑ready projects that would deliver real sovereign capability, secure jobs and long‑term economic value for Queenslanders.
“Queensland is building the capability to design and manufacture next-generation technologies locally, and this project is part of that,” Mr Bleijie said.
EPE Oceania CEO Warwick Penrose said the government support would help accelerate the industrialisation and export of Australian sovereign uncrewed aerial systems.
“Project MOSAIC brings together two innovative Queensland companies to build a scalable, trusted sovereign capability that strengthens Australia’s defence preparedness, creates highly skilled local jobs and expands opportunities for Queensland manufacturers throughout the supply chain,” he said.
Grabba Technologies Acting Managing Director Ross McKinnon said Project MOSAIC was a strategically significant step towards positioning Queensland as Australia’s UAS centre of excellence.
“The capabilities and skills roles delivered through the SIDF grant are pivotal in ensuring Australia’s long-term national security objectives,” Mr McKinnon said.
