A major shift

A key Defence document released this week heralds a new focus for the Far North

Agreat opportunity for the Far North lies in Australian Government’s Defence Strategic Review published on Monday. So far this decade international eyes are focused on two major developments, the first being the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the second being the growing might of China and its ability to project its power in Asia and the Pacific.

It is the second of these that has shaped the most recent review of Australia’s armed forces and Defence strategy, and it is the position of the Far North as both a gateway to the Pacific as well as the frontier of any conflict that has placed it front and centre.

The review highlights, as a top priority, the need to improve the Defence Force’s ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases.

For our region this means the HMAS Cairns Naval Base and RAAF Base Scherger look set to see investment and development as Australia looks to shore up its defensive footing in the north.

This provides an opportunity to drive industries tied to our armed forces to new levels and increase the level of expertise drawn to our region. The Cairns Marine Precinct is already seeing major upgrades to increase its capacity to serve the needs of Australia’s and allied countries’ navies and the significance of these upgrades has only grown thanks to this defence-shake-up and its recommendations.

Any shift of force posture north is likely to bring greater numbers of port visits from increasingly larger boats.

With that comes more sustainment and maintenance work for local industry players.

RAAF Base Scherger represents yet another opportunity for growth in the Far North.

Scherger was established in 1998 and operates as a semidormant site that can become operational at little or no notice.

Any forays northwards from aircraft is likely to heavily involve an activated Scherger in tandem with operations out of Townsville and Tindal.

Any investment into this facility is likely to see additional jobs on the ground for the nearby community in Weipa, and the possibility of a greater permanent personnel presence.

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