Defence Strengthens Local Business Opportunities

NOVEMBER 22, 2017: Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne joined me at a Defence Opportunities Forum in Mackay attended by about 40 business representatives who were keen to find out how they can participate in a number of Defence infrastructure projects including the $135 million Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) Remediation Project, $115 million Mid Term Refresh Projects at Townsville Field Training Area, RAAF Base Townsville and HMAS Cairns, and $2.25 billion Australia Singapore Military Training Initiative.The SWBTA remediation project and the mid-term refresh projects at Townsville Field Training Area, RAAF Base Townsville and HMAS Cairns will be used to pilot the Government’s new Local Industry Capability Plan which requires Defence tenderers to detail how local industry will specifically be involved in delivering the work.“This is fundamentally about ensuring that local companies in the vicinity of our Defence bases, facilities and training areas are properly considered and provided the opportunity to compete and win work,’’ Minister Payne said.“I recognise both the contribution local companies make to our defence capability and that we can do more to maximise opportunities for local firms,” Minister Payne said.The inclusion of a Local Industry Capability Plan will result in increased engagement with industry for the area surrounding Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Mackay businesses have proven capabilities in mining and construction support and it was a good opportunity to discuss how they can best prepare to engage with Defence.There are many great local firms that know the region well and the Government is committed to ensuring that our investment in these key defence facilities benefits the regions that support them.’The Local Industry Capability Plan will flow into the work associated with the Australia Singapore Military Training Initiative, which will complement the Memorandum of Understanding that gives priority to local businesses. Up to $2.25 billion will be spent over life of the initiative, driving jobs and investment in central and north Queensland.