The role of the Coordinator-General was established in 1938 to encourage development and job opportunities by implementating large-scale projects. These projects encouraged development and business investment, which in turn created ongoing jobs.

Since then the Coordinator-General has successfully coordinated catalytic developments throughout Queensland, such as the Storey Bridge, Wivenhoe Dam and South East Freeway. 

The Coordinator-General plans, delivers and coordinates control of a program of works and planned developments by

• identifying areas within the state with the potential to be economic or industrial hubs and plans for sustainable growth by establishing State Development Areas and controlling their development schemes
• acquiring land where necessary to ensure critical projects and infrastructure facilities of significance to the state can be progressed and
• engaging individuals, government departments or government created organisations to carry out development functions and duties.

The Coordinator-General is responsible for deciding if the most important and complex private and public projects require whole-of-government management as 'significant projects' . If so, the Coordinator-General coordinates an environmental assessment process and is responsible for assessing the projects on behalf of the state government.

The Coordinator-General operates under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 and is a separate legal entity to government.

The Coordinator-General can purchase land or assets and enter into contracts or agreements.