In today’s interconnected and competitive global economy, resource‑rich jurisdictions are unable to compete on geological endowment alone, but demonstrate project and capital efficiency, to appeal to investors. Queensland is stepping up its global competitiveness through a coordinated, government-led case management model, working in tandem with other levers available to government to support critical mineral project advancement. The Queensland government plays a pivotal market enabler role in critical minerals project development emphasising active facilitation alongside statutory assessment functions to accelerate projects. This paper demonstrates the Critical Minerals Queensland approach and the value in case management to accelerating critical mineral projects. Central to this approach is establishment of Critical Minerals Zones (CMZs) and targeted investment in enabling infrastructure, particularly rail and power, to boost mineral transport capacity while reducing barriers to production. Additionally, funding for common-user processing facilities allows proponents to pilot and scale up projects, de-risking investments and bolstering investor confidence. Beyond physical infrastructure, the Queensland Government invests in baseline ecological, social, and groundwater studies, making datasets available to proponents, avoiding duplication of effort and reducing regulatory approval timeframes. These initiatives are reinforced by operational policy settings, including government led initiatives supporting exploration, feasibility, and early‑stage development activities, lowering barriers to entry and accelerating project progression. Collectively, this integrated place‑based model fosters investor confidence, accelerated project timelines, enhanced industry competitiveness, and greater long‑term economic resilience. The paper offers a practical roadmap for strategic government intervention to secure Queensland’s place in global critical minerals supply.