A development pipeline valued at $37.7 billion is laying the foundations for the next generation of growth across the Western Downs, according to a report released this week.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise released the bi-annual Western Downs Development Status Report at the 2026 Energy Summit.

It lists significant projects either recently completed, underway or progressing through the development pipeline across the Western Downs – with the energy sector accounting for the lion’s share of the work.

Western Downs Mayor Andrew Smith said the scale of investment outlined in the report was a clear vote of confidence in the region.

“Council is advocating strongly to both the state and federal governments to back that confidence with investment in the critical infrastructure that will support the next chapter of growth for our region’s industries and communities: secure bulk water and a strong, resilient state and federal road network,” he said.

Key sectors in the project pipeline outlined in the report include:

• Energy: $36.909 billion
• Resources: $290 million
• Commercial: $176.5 million
• Health: $106.5 million
• Infrastructure: $91.3 million
• Roads: $70 million
• Housing: $45 million
• Education: $22.5 million

The resources category takes in a range of gas industry projects – the majority underway or recently completed, while the energy category covers 29 renewable energy and battery projects as well as Powerlink’s Queensland-New South Wales Interconnector project.

Cr Smith said the Western Downs’ strength lay in the diversity of its economy.

“While our $36.9 billion energy pipeline continues to reinforce our position as the Energy Capital of Queensland, the report also highlights $176.5 million in commercial development, $45 million in housing projects, and $22.5 million in education investment,” he said.

“Together, these projects are supporting jobs, attracting new residents, creating business opportunities, and ensuring our communities have the services, infrastructure, and workforce needed to support future growth.

“It’s this balance of investment across energy, business, housing, and community infrastructure that gives us confidence in the long-term prosperity of the Western Downs.”