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NSW's Shoalhaven region is on a new path to growth, with the expansion of the Albatross Aviation Technology Park.
NSW Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair and member for Kiama and parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward toured the expanded facilities last Friday and praised the opportunity for defence investment and expansion.
"The NSW government is committed to growing our defence industry and our support has helped Shoalhaven City Council develop Stage 4 of the Albatross Aviation Technology Park," Minister Blair said.
"This facility is already home to some of the biggest global defence companies: Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and Raytheon.
"Its expansion will help secure their long-term presence, while supporting the growth of local success stories such as Air Affairs and Partech Systems."
As part of the expansion extra land has been developed, to provide aerospace firms with better access to flight facilities.
Ward said this critical infrastructure investment would drive diverse employment opportunities in a key regional part of NSW.
"It’s an exciting time for the Shoalhaven, with the NSW Defence and Industry Strategy earmarking the region for future growth in areas like helicopter maintenance and aircrew training – the opportunities are limitless," he said.
"The Albatross Aviation Technology Park is playing an increasingly important role in our growing defence sector, which already employs about 8 per cent of the local workforce and provides 11 per cent of gross regional product."
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