North Queensland Production Incentive (NQPI) QLD

Purpose and Program Overview

The North Queensland Production Incentive (NQPI) is a Screen Queensland program. Its purpose is to attract Australian and international film and television productions to the region. The grant aims to boost the regional economy and the screen industry.

The program intends to encourage productions to film in North Queensland. This provides job and training opportunities for residents. It also stimulates spending for local businesses and tourism.

This initiative plays a key role in supporting the screen industry in the region. It helps productions that are “footloose” and can film in multiple places. It ensures the region benefits from these projects.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Up to $300,000.
• Application open and close dates: Open until 1 June 2025 or until funds are exhausted.
• Eligible industries or business types: Australian and international production companies.
• Required co-contributions: Not required, but a minimum regional expenditure is needed.
• Location/state/territory applicability: North Queensland.

Priority Sectors

North Queensland Production Incentive is specific to the screen industry. This includes feature films, television series, and documentaries.

Funding Scope

The maximum funding is $300,000. The grant is for productions with a minimum of $500,000 in North Queensland Qualifying Regional Expenditure (NQ-QRE). There are no different streams of funding. The program is set to conclude on 30 June 2026.

Grant Amount in Total

A specific total funding amount for the program is not publicly listed.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: The applicant must be an Australian or international production company.
• Registered business location: Not specified.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified.
• ABN/GST status: Not specified.

Projects must have at least 10 business days of physical production in North Queensland. They must also employ residents and provide a training opportunity.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports project spending that is retained in the region. This includes:

• Fees for residents.
• Payments to regional suppliers.
• Hiring Screen Queensland Studios in Cairns, if practicable.

Assessment Process

The program is competitive. Applications are assessed based on the project’s potential economic and industry benefits for the North Queensland region. The application must be approved before filming starts in Queensland.

Recent Program Updates

North Queensland Production Incentive program is a limited-life initiative scheduled to conclude on 30 June 2026. Applications are open until 1 June 2025 or when funds are exhausted.

Application Tips

Double-check all eligibility criteria. Prepare key documents in advance. Align the proposal with government priorities. Show capability, outcomes, and benefits.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit the Screen Queensland website for application templates and further guidance.