North’s plan to service forces

OPPORTUNITIES to grow North Queensland’s defence industry have been identified after a delegation of Townsville business and political leaders made a tour of South Australia’s major defence facilities.

The delegation, including representatives from Townsville Enterprise, Port of Townsville, Townsville Airport, Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke and Defence Industries Queensland, met key personnel from Defence SA.

Townsville Enterprise director of policy and investment Michael McMillan said the delegation examined South Australia’s unique defence model.

“We examined the strengths in their structure and how that might apply in a North Queensland context,” he said.

“I believe it has merit. The South Australian defence approach is very targeted and is backed 110 per cent by the State Government. Anything we would look to institute in North Queensland, likewise would have to have the backing and be financed and supported by the State Government.”

Ms O’Rourke said defence was one of Queensland’s priority sectors, with the po- tential to grow and create new jobs, particularly in Townsville and North Queensland.

“We can see Townsville’s potential to become Australia’s defence hub, providing training and industry- related support for the Australian Defence Force maritime, land and air capability right across the North,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Queensland is home to 26 per cent of Australian Defence Force personnel and 14 significant defence facilities, including the Lavarack Barracks.”

Ms O’Rourke said with Townsville’s home to Australia’s largest defence base, opportunities existed to develop the defence industry further in the region.

“This is particularly important as it will provide opportunities for our service personnel leaving the defence force to gain local jobs in defence- related industry,” she said.

“I know that many of our local defence force families wish to stay in Townsville once their time with the defence forces has ended.”

Mr McMillan said Townsville Enterprise would continue to push for the city to become a major defence hub.

“Townsville Enterprise truly believes the defence sector is a key stimulus for the economy,” he said. “We believe it is a key strength of the economy that we have not significantly exploited as yet.”