DEFENCE JOBS BOOM
$800M DEAL KICKS OFF BILLION-DOLLAR PROJECT
AN $800m contract has been awarded for development of the new Australia-singapore military training facility northwest of Townsville. Australian-based company CPB Contractors Pty Ltd will oversee what will become a multibillion-dollar, job-creating project at Greenvale.
AN $800m contract has been awarded for development of the new Australia-singapore military training facility northwest of Townsville.
Australian-based company CPB Contractors Pty Ltd will oversee what will become a multibillion-dollar, job-creating project at Greenvale.
The Australia-singapore Military Training Initiative will see about 14,000 Singaporean soldiers training for 14 weeks a year over 25 years at the site, and is expected to inject about $1bn into the North Queensland economy.
Contractors plan to start work by mid-2022, once the $23.5m development and design phase is complete.
The main works will include civil works, medical facilities, range control and airfield construction, with the project’s construction workforce expected to peak at 350.
Outstanding works include fencing and signage, contamination remediation, and construction of firebreaks, with contractors capable of delivering packages ranging in value from $50,000 to $4m encouraged to apply for work.
The federal government has already spent more than $70m acquiring land.
The Townsville Bulletin revealed in December last year the Commonwealth purchased at least four properties.
One was a whopping 97,900-hectare station with a land mass 19 times the size of Magnetic Island, carrying a price tag of $36.5m.
Other stations purchased were 51,800 hectares, 12,100 hectares, and 59,500 hectares and cost $16.9m, $5.98m and $12.7m respectively.
Defence Minister Senator Linda Reynolds said the $800m contract marked a significant milestone for the ASMTI.
“These advanced training areas being delivered under the ASMTI will benefit the ADF and Singapore Armed Forces, while enhancing our bilateral relationship and providing significant local economic opportunities for North Queensland,” Ms Reynolds said.
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said major construction work would bring significant economic opportunities to the region.
“CPB Contractors has committed to sourcing about 90 per cent of work from the North Queensland region,” Ms Price said.
“This is a massive investment that will ensure local business can take advantage of the opportunities arising from construction of the new Defence training area.
“CPB Contractors has also committed to sourcing 4 per cent of the contracted price from Indigenous enterprises and at least 4 per cent of the full-time workforce from Indigenous Australians.”
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said the works would provide a much-needed economic boost for the Townsville region.
“This news comes at such an important time as the local economy continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Thompson said.
“CPB Contractors will soon begin engaging with local industry, with initial design for works commencing early next year.
“I encourage local businesses to be ready to benefit from the opportunities this initiative will provide.”
Landholders who have sold their land to defence have been advised by the department they have until mid-to-late 2021 before they have to vacate the properties.
Prospective contractors have until December 31, 2022 to submit a Market Sounding Information Response form via the Austender website: www.austender.gov.au.