Bowen backed for new military base

WHITSUNDAY Regional Council will throw Bowen’s name into the ring for a military base in northern Australia as part of the Federal Government’s $270 billion investment in defence.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison released the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan last week, which included plans for a new military base in northern Australia.

The base will “consolidate all army watercraft, enhancing amphibious ship loading capacity, and allowing the docking of patrol vessels and minehunters”, however, a location is yet to be decided.

In a council meeting, Division 6 councillor Mike Brunker said Bowen was “in a great position” to put itself forward as the home for the new base.

“If you’re looking at fair-sized warships and helicopters and all that sort of stuff, then Bowen is an ideal place,” he said.

Cr Brunker said the “sky is the limit” for the base, with the potential to house army personnel in Whitsunday Shores estate.

He said the base would also provide a boost to the region’s economy through job creation, construction opportunities and defence housing.

Cr Brunker asked the council to prepare a development brief outlining Bowen’s capabilities and strength as a candidate for the new base.