Login
iscover
Assistant Minister for Defence David Fawcett has welcomed over 150 industry representatives who attended presentations for upcoming work opportunities flowing into central Queensland from the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI).
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
This briefing follows the recent announcement of Laing O’Rourke as the managing contractor for the Shoalwater Bay Facilities Project under the ASMTI, for which construction is expected to begin in 2019.
"A large number of small-to-medium enterprises from the design and construction sectors came along to hear what opportunities will be available over the coming year, and to make sure their businesses are 'Defence-ready' when the work commences," Minister Fawcett said.
ASMTI is one of the key elements of the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and provides a unique opportunity to enhance suitable training areas in central and north Queensland. This initiative provides increased access to Australian military training areas by the SAF.
Building on existing defence co-operation, the initiative is an important means of strengthening Australia’s bilateral defence relationship with Singapore.
Fawcett said, "There will be upwards of 600 jobs created through the ASMTI with an estimated $50 million spent annually during the construction phase."
It is expected that SAF personnel numbers and the military equipment brought to Australia will progressively increase as the new infrastructure and facilities are built. As this presence increases, opportunities for local businesses to provide support and services will expand. Up to $2.25 billion will be invested in central and north Queensland over the life of the initiative.
"Injecting up to $660 million into the regional economy over a five-year period, the project will deliver enhanced military training areas to the Australian Defence Force while fostering Australia’s close relationship with the Singaporean Armed Forces (SAF)," Minister Fawcett said when announcing Laing O'Rourke as the managing contractor.
The ASMTI will provide a significant boost to economies in central and north Queensland over the life of the initiative. More information or to register for updates on the ASMTI program is available here.
