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The Queensland government has announced $3 million in funding awarded to Aviation Australia to boost defence aviation maintenance skills and expand capabilities through the flagship $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
The investment will support the establishment of the Townsville Aviation Centre of Excellence (TACE), which will become a leading training facility for the next generation of defence aviation maintenance engineers, supported by new high-technology simulation equipment, including aircraft maintenance trainers, virtual maintenance trainers, and other advanced system trainers.
The establishment of TACE is expected to bolster Townsville’s position as a nationally significant defence aviation hub, delivering the hands-on training needed to support Australian Defence Force aviation operations across North Queensland into the future.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the Sovereign Industry Development Fund was focused on delivery and backing investment-ready projects that would deliver real sovereign capability, support jobs and long-term economic value for Queenslanders.
“This investment will increase Townsville-based sovereign capabilities in aviation maintenance engineering, including skills needed to maintain locally based Australian Defence Force aircraft,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“After a decade of decline and Labor’s scattergun approach to industry development, we are ensuring government investment is flowing to projects that are ready to proceed and capable of delivering tangible outcomes across the state.
“Queensland has a critical role in supporting Australia’s defence capability, and this funding will support skilled employment, regional supply chains and sustainment needed to deliver that capability now and into the future.”
The Sovereign Industry Development Fund is revitalising Queensland’s industrial base after a decade of decline under Labor, by funding projects that help build a stronger, more resilient Queensland economy, attract private investment and secure long-term jobs and economic growth.
Queensland has also recently launched Defence Q – a specialised group that will further position Queensland at the forefront of Australia’s growing defence sector and reinforce the significant partnerships already delivered through the Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
Member for Mundingburra and Assistant Minister for Community Safety, Defence Industry, Veterans and North Queensland, Janelle Poole, said strengthening defence industry capability in regional Queensland would deliver benefits well beyond Townsville.
“After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli government is investing in regional Queensland, helping to build sovereign skills and expertise locally, meaning more high-quality jobs in the region into the future,” Poole said.
Aviation Australia CEO Glenn Ryan said the complexity of modern aviation and defence demanded a new generation of training solutions.
“By combining Aviation Australia’s industry-leading expertise with advanced simulation and virtual training technologies, this investment will help grow Queensland’s skilled workforce and ensure Australia continues to develop world-leading aviation professionals for the future needs of defence and the aviation industry,” Ryan said.
“Townsville is a strategic aviation and defence hub, and the Townsville Aviation Training Academy is uniquely positioned to support workforce growth through enhanced hands-on training that accelerates skills acquisition and builds capability for defence aviation maintenance engineers.”
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