Global demand for critical minerals is increasing rapidly, driven by the energy transition, technological advancement, defence applications and the diversification of strategic supply chains. While Australia possesses globally significant critical mineral resources, many projects face challenges associated with infrastructure constraints, regulatory complexity, workforce availability, environmental considerations and investment risk. Addressing these challenges requires approaches that extend beyond individual project boundaries and consider development at a regional scale. The Julia Creek/Richmond Critical Minerals Zone (CMZ) in north-west Queensland provides a practical example of how a place-based approach can accelerate regional development while reducing risk for industry, government and communities. The region hosts a cluster of prospective vanadium projects that share common infrastructure requirements, environmental considerations, workforce demands and social opportunities. Critical Minerals Queensland has adopted a coordinated regional development model that combines baseline studies, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure planning and investment facilitation. This includes the delivery of regional-scale social, groundwater, ecological and First Nations participation studies, alongside planning for common-user infrastructure, transport, energy and water solutions. The resulting evidence base supports more informed investment decisions, improves understanding of cumulative impacts, reduces duplication of technical studies and assists proponents to navigate environmental and social assessment requirements. The approach also enables government to better coordinate infrastructure investment and community development initiatives while maintaining appropriate environmental, social and governance standards. The Julia Creek/Richmond experience demonstrates that place-based development can materially de-risk critical mineral project delivery and provide a transferable framework for emerging resource regions. By addressing constraints collectively and focusing on shared regional outcomes, governments and industry can accelerate critical mineral development while creating broader and more sustainable benefits for regional communities.