Tense war over huge contract

QUEENSLAND is at war and it’s not with usual footy rivals New South Wales.

This battle is with Victoria and the outcome is so important it could breathe new life into or signal the death of thousands of new job prospects up here.

Both states are on tenterhooks awaiting the Federal Government’s announcement as to who will win the $ 5 billion Land 400 contract.

Land 400 is the biggest and most expensive acquisition project in the history of the Australian Army.

The Victorian government has partnered with BAE Systems Australia to push its bid to have more 225 AMV35 combat vehicles built in Geelong.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Government and German company Rheinmetall have been working in partnership to showcase the Boxer CRV’s capabilities and promote opportunities for industry in Brisbane and regional cities like Townsville.

While direct opportunities for Townsville in construction do not realistically exist, the jobs firepower for us comes in the long- term maintenance.

The establishment of a combat vehicle maintenance hub will mean the start of a whole new defence industry that could create an unprecedented number of new jobs for our veterans and apprenticeships for our kids.

Last month, Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts- Smith threw his support behind Rheinmetall’s Boxer CRV, noting that it offered more protection than BAE Systems Australia’s armoured vehicle.

If it comes down to safety as per Mr Roberts- Smith’s assessment, Queensland should have it in the bag. But like most political footballs, there are other factors at play.

We know there can only be one winner. The fact Victoria has a state election due in November may also work in their favour.

All we can hope for is that our state and federal leaders have put our best foot forward.