12 April 2019

Defence Industry Pipeline Gears Up In Queensland

Central and North Queensland stand to benefit from significant upcoming Defence estate and infrastructure investment.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett said major capital facilities and infrastructure projects totalling close to $2 billion were planned for the region over the next seven years.

“I recently hosted an industry forum in Townsville to explore how Defence can work better with industry to harness future Defence investment opportunities,” Assistant Minister Fawcett said.

“I was impressed by the volume of current and upcoming works relating to Defence base services, infrastructure projects, national contracts for logistics support and major construction projects, including the establishment of a new military training area in Greenvale.

In addition to demonstrating value for money and competency, companies tendering for Defence construction work over $7.5 million must include local industry capability plans (LICPs) to demonstrate how they will engage local suppliers.

“The inclusion of an LICP in the expansion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area is already benefiting local industry, with 16 companies from Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gladstone and the surrounding region participating in the design phase of the project providing engineering, geotechnical and surveying services,” Assistant Minister Fawcett said.

“As part of its logistics network, Defence currently spends $6 million, or 55 per cent of its regional maintenance budget, in North Queensland on works including vehicles, marine equipment, forklift, trailers and crane repairs.

“A further $2 million is also being spent across Townsville, Mt Isa, Cairns and Weipa procuring other items from small to medium enterprises.

“The recently announced $4.9 million contract for the planning phase of the $120 million North Queensland Mid-Term Refresh Program is another boost for the region.

“The majority of this investment will be directed towards improvements to Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Townsville Field Training Area and the future training area planned for Greenvale.

“I encourage local businesses wishing to put their best foot forward to attend the Defence Briefing Session in Townsville later this month.”

Ends.