City pitches for hi- tech war hub
CITY leaders are pushing for a futuristic defence hub, which would research drones and robotics for Australia’s military, to be built in Townsville.
It comes amid a separate push for Queensland to secure the Land 400 deal – one of the most expensive defence contracts in Australian history – to acquire and support the next generation of armoured vehicles.
Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole is calling for the $ 50 million co- operative research centre to be built in Townsville, which is already home to Australia’s largest military base.
Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne confirmed in December that the headquarters of the defence CRC for Trusted Autonomous Systems would be in Queensland.
The facility will examine how artificial intelligence can launch cyber attacks.
It will also examine how robots can be used in battle, potentially delivering ammunition and rescuing wounded soldiers.
“We’ve got the Army’s 3rd Brigade and 11th Brigade based at Lavarack Barracks and let’s not forget about the RAAF Base Townsville,” Ms O’Toole said.
She said James Cook University could potentially partner with the facility to develop new technologies.
Mr Pyne said the defence CRC was being set up under the Next Generation Technologies Fund, with $ 50 million invested over seven years to deliver smart- machine technologies for new defence capabilities based on advanced human- machine teaming concepts.
Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke has welcomed Victoria Cross winner Ben Roberts- Smith backing Rheinmetall’s Land 400 bid to secure jobs for Queenslanders.
Mr Roberts- Smith said Rheinmetall’s Boxer would be the safest armoured vehicle for Australian troops. Rheinmetall has pledged to build the vehicles in Queensland if it wins the Land 400 contract.
While it’s understood Townsville will not be considered as the base to build the new vehicles, the deal could create hundreds of new jobs in maintenance and support long- term.
“As a Townsville local, I strongly supported the Palaszczuk Government’s work to convince Rheinmetall to pick Queensland,” Ms O’Rourke said. “I know how important the defence force and its associated industries is to the North Queensland economy.
“I am determined to continue working to ensure we grow our local defence industry and see the benefits of the Land 400 and other defence contracts right here in Townsville.”