$800 Million Defence Training Plan for North Queensland

CANBERRA: Australian company, CPB Contractors Pty Ltd, has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of works for a new defence training area near Greenvale in North Queensland, the Department of Defence said today.

The training facilities will be built under the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) to deliver advanced military training areas in Central and North Queensland, while meeting the future needs of the Australian Defence Force.

Upon the successful completion of the development phase of the $23.5 million contract, CPB Contractors will then be engaged to deliver the $800 million of facilities under the ASMTI with construction anticipated to commence by mid-2022.

Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds said the contract marked a significant milestone for the ASMTI. “These advanced training areas being delivered under the ASMTI will benefit the ADF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), while enhancing our bilateral relationship and providing significant local economic opportunities for North Queensland,” Minister Reynolds said.

“When this initiative reaches maturity, up to 14,000 SAF personnel will conduct training in Central and North Queensland for up to 18-weeks-a-year for 25 years, which will provide enduring economic benefits to the region. “This initiative will be key to bolstering growth and supporting local jobs in North Queensland as the economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Minister Reynolds visited Singapore Oct 20 which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Singapore Armed Forces training in Australia, a significant milestone in our long history of bilateral cooperation.” I am pleased Australia has been able to find innovative ways to continue to support Singaporean force generation activities in Australia. This includes hosting a Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter detachment to conduct training in the Northern Territory.”

Singapore’s military training in Australia provides mutual benefits for our respective armed forces and has provided significant economic opportunities for Australia, she added. –shp/mgm