QLD Local Digital Priority Projects Funding Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The Local Digital Priority Projects (LDPP) funding program supports digital infrastructure and capability projects across South East Queensland (SEQ). It forms part of the SEQ City Deal, a joint commitment between the Australian Government and the Queensland Government to strengthen the region’s economic and social outcomes through targeted investment.

The program is designed to improve connectivity and productivity, build digital capability and inclusion, and support the growth of high-skilled digital industries and jobs. It provides funding for both physical and digital infrastructure projects and non-infrastructure initiatives, such as training, digital inclusion programs, and support for technology-focused businesses.

The program offers $50 million to help eligible organisations across SEQ deliver projects that can make a real difference in local economic, business, and social outcomes linked to digital transformation.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: $100,000 to $5 million, depending on the funding stream
• Application dates: Applications are currently open and close at 5:00 pm, Monday, 24 August 2026
• Eligible industries or business types: Local governments, private sector businesses, public sector entities, not-for-profits, universities, research institutes, regional economic development organisations, and chambers of commerce (eligibility varies by stream)
• Co-contributions: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to secure funding to cover project costs beyond the grant amount; a co-contribution is not mandatory but is regarded favourably during assessment
• Location/state applicability: Queensland — limited to 12 local government areas within South East Queensland

Priority Sectors

The program does not target specific industry sectors. Instead, it is structured around three funding streams focused on digital infrastructure, digital capability and inclusion, and high-skilled digital jobs and industry growth. Projects from a broad range of sectors may be eligible, provided they align with these program objectives and Queensland Government priorities for the community.

Funding Scope

The program is divided into three funding streams:

• Stream 1 — Connectivity and Productivity: $1 million to $5 million for digital infrastructure projects, such as public Wi-Fi, connectivity upgrades, carrier-neutral digital infrastructure, and facilities to house digital infrastructure
• Stream 2 — Digital Capability and Inclusion: $100,000 to $1 million for non-infrastructure projects, including digital skills training, initiatives supporting vulnerable Queenslanders to get online, and digital innovation hubs
• Stream 3 — High-Skilled Jobs and Growth: $100,000 to $1 million for non-infrastructure projects, such as support for technology start-ups establishing a base in SEQ and mentoring schemes for people entering the technology sector

Larger grants may be considered where a project demonstrates significant benefit to the broader SEQ region. All funded projects must be capable of completion by 31 December 2028.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a legal entity with an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Must be registered for the goods and services tax (GST)
• Must have a registered place of business within an eligible SEQ location
• Must meet the specific eligibility requirements of the funding stream applied for
• Digital infrastructure projects (Stream 1) require the applicant to be either a local government that was a member of the Council of Mayors South East Queensland as at 21 March 2022, or a private sector entity
• Non-infrastructure projects (Streams 2 and 3) allow a broader range of applicants, including public sector entities, not-for-profits, universities, research institutes, regional economic development organisations, chambers of commerce, and community service organisations
• Projects must be located in one of the following 12 SEQ local government areas: Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, or Toowoomba
• Digital infrastructure applicants must either own and operate the site or hold approval from the site owner to construct, access, maintain and operate the infrastructure
• Projects must not compete with existing Australian Government-funded initiatives
• Applicants may partner with other organisations to deliver an eligible project

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Public Wi-Fi solutions, including in social housing
• Connectivity upgrades for local governments and businesses, such as fibre-to-the-premises, dark fibre, or low Earth orbit satellite connections
• Carrier-neutral digital infrastructure
• Construction of facilities to house digital infrastructure
• Short-term training addressing digital skills shortages, such as AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity
• Financial or in-kind support for technology start-ups establishing a base in SEQ
• Programs supporting vulnerable Queenslanders to get online and build digital skills
• Digital innovation and technology hubs
• Mentoring schemes supporting people entering technology careers

Assessment Process

The LDPP funding program is competitive. Applications are assessed against alignment with program objectives, the Queensland Government’s objectives for the community, and its digital and customer service priorities. Assessors also consider whether a project falls within the funding caps set for each stream, whether it can be completed by the required deadline, and whether the applicant can demonstrate access to funding to cover costs beyond the grant. Projects offering a co-contribution and those delivering significant regional benefit are viewed favourably.

Recent Program Updates

Applications for the LDPP funding program are open, with a closing date of 5:00 pm, Monday, 24 August 2026. The program guidelines confirm that larger grants may be approved in writing by the administering department for projects demonstrating substantial regional benefit. Applicants should refer to the official applicant guidelines and program updates on the Business Queensland website, as funding parameters and dates may be subject to change ahead of the closing date.

Application Tips

• Review the official applicant guidelines closely and confirm the project aligns with program objectives before starting an application
• Identify the correct funding stream, as eligibility requirements and funding ranges differ between infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects
• Prepare a detailed project plan addressing alignment with local economic, business, or social priorities, expected outcomes, and project timelines
• Secure and document co-contribution funding where possible, as this strengthens the competitiveness of an application
• Confirm the project can realistically be completed by 31 December 2028
• Use the official project plan and budget cash flow forecast templates provided on the Business Queensland website
• Ensure all required registrations, including ABN and GST status, are current before applying

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for tailored advice and support, helping you feel confident and well-prepared to submit a competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the Local Digital Priority Projects (LDPP) and other associated Australian government websites.