Jobs and opportunities to flow from major Defence project

AUGUST 22, 2018: The Liberal National Government has signed the contract with Rheinmetall for the delivery of 211 armoured combat reconnaissance vehicles which will create business opportunities in Mackay and Townsville and hundreds of new jobs in Queensland.These world class vehicles will be built by Australian workers, using Australian steel and will provide vital mobility, lethality and protection capability for the Australian Army.Though the key facility for the Rheinmetall Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle is located near Brisbane, the supply chain for components for these Boxer Reconnaissance Vehicles stretches all along the coast and there are Mackay and Townsville businesses poised to seize opportunities.This is the largest acquisition project in the history of the Australian Army and first vehicles expected to be available for training in 2020.The state will benefit with Queensland companies negotiating for a share of the investment and a key Land 400 facility located in Redbank.Over $1.5 billion is being spent in this state, creating more than 330 jobs over the 30 year life of the vehicles.The armoured vehicle replacement program is a nation-building project, producing high-tech, highly-skilled jobs for the future.These vehicles will make sure Australian soldiers have the best possible chance of completing their missions and returning home safe to their families.Fitted with modern sensors and communications equipment, their role is to locate, monitor and engage with enemy forces and provide security to our forces.The new vehicles will be used at facilities in Puckapunyal, Bandiana, Adelaide, Townsville and Enoggera.For more information, visit www.defence.gov.au/casg/equippingdefence/land400