Technicians working on a rocket for Gilmour Space Technologies.

Manufacturing

A highly skilled workforce of almost 20,000

It's the third largest sector on the Gold Coast made up of traditional and advanced manufacturing, supported by a highly skilled workforce of almost 20,000.

This sector is a significant export earner, delivering products from luxury motor yachts to mining equipment, LED technology, car accessories, and healthcare products to the world.  

$3B exports to the Gold Coast's largest exporting industry both domestically and internationally.
Sector spotlight

1.1%

growth rate

per annum in the past decade.

$2.8B

total GVA

representing 7.6% of the Gold Coast's economy.

Sector overview

A summary sheet on the manufacturing industry on the Gold Coast and the benefit to the city's overall economy.

The Yatala Enterprise Area (YEA)

The largest industrial estate on the Gold Coast. The 3300ha precinct is home to some of Australia’s leading manufacturers in food and beverage, construction materials, machinery and equipment, plastic and chemicals, including Carlton & United Breweries, Visy, Real Pet Food Company and Caterpillar.  

Gold Coast businesses are elevating their manufacturing capabilities through robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. This innovative technology is creating world-class, cutting-edge products, such as large-scale casino LED displays from Simtech.  

An aerial view of a highway and industrial area.

Gold Coast - the unofficial marine capital of Australia

We have the largest concentration of marine trades in the country who specialise in the manufacture, maintenance and retrofit of marine craft for the Australian and international markets, from luxury superyachts to smaller recreational aluminium boats.  

A superyacht docked.

Explore our live deals and City-led investments

Multi-million dollar investments led by the City of Gold Coast creating economic growth and infrastructure development.