North Queensland Simulation Park

Investment $35 million
Jobs727 (221 direct) during construction and 595 (259 direct) during the operational phase
Goal5. A leading centre of education, training and research commercialisation.
Strategic PurposeConstruct a simulation and research facility as a catalyst to develop Defence and Science Industry presence in the North providing high paying, knowledge intensive employment opportunities.
StatusWaiting for confirmation of Commonwealth funding under the Townsville City Deal

The North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ Spark) business case is an innovative simulation facility and industry precinct that will deliver considerable economic benefits to the Townsville and Australian economies.

NQ Spark will be northern Australia’s first collaborative industry hub focused on developing defence and research capability. The project will bring together the regional science, defence, health and knowledge expertise in Townsville to create an advanced environmental simulation facility and technology-oriented collaborative precinct.

NQ Spark is being developed under the TropiQ partnership with support from Townsville City Council, James Cook University, Townsville Hospital and Health Service and Queensland Government. It will be built in Douglas between James Cook University, Townsville University Hospital and Lavarack Barracks. It will include around 13,400 square metres of commercial industry space.

Townsville City Council will be seeking funding under the Townsville City Deal and leveraging the upcoming federal election for funding commitments for the project.

For more information on this project, visit Townsville North Queensland Defence Strategy.