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As South Australia continues to work with the Department of Defence to secure more opportunities for the state, Premier Jay Weatherill has revealed more than $800 million in new defence infrastructure projects have started this year.
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Speaking at the fourth Submarine Science, Technology and Engineering Conference (SubSTEC), Premier Weatherill said that $857 million of the current $1.2 billion worth of defence infrastructure projects taking place in SA started this year.
"We today have $1.2 billion worth of infrastructure projects on the go across land, sea and air," Premier Weatherill said.
"Of that total figure, $857 million worth of projects – supporting up to 800 jobs – have started in 2017."
The projects making up the $857 million in new defence infrastructure projects include:
- $535 million Techport Australia expansion and upgrade;
- $25 million Joint Project 500 Electronic Warfare Facility at DST Group Edinburgh; and
- $297 million Woomera Range Complex remediation and upgrade.
While Defence infrastructure projects worth $430 million already underway include the $350 million Edinburgh RAAF Base upgrade to support the new P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft, systems and crew, and the $80 million Cultana Training Area redevelopment project.
South Australia's Minister for Defence and Space Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith said the mammoth investments are aiding in enhancing Australia's defence capabilities as well as the state's ability to secure more defence industry work.
"South Australia is experiencing significant investment in defence infrastructure, creating jobs and generating enormous economic benefits, while enhancing our defence capabilities and competitiveness," the minister said.
"With up to 1,500 jobs being created from defence infrastructure projects, and many more in the pipeline on upcoming defence projects secured in the state, the future is looking bright for South Australia."
South Australia has secured the bulk of the federal government's $89 billion investment in naval shipbuilding, with Adelaide set to be the home of the build of the 12 Future Submarines, nine Future Frigates and two of the Offshore Patrol Vessels.
