Defence pilot targets NQ firms
NORTH Queensland industry will have more opportunities to benefit from Defence infrastructure projects as part of an expanded pilot program.
Defence Minister Marise Payne visited Townsville yesterday to announce the Local Industry Capability Plan pilot program would be expanded to include the $ 67 million RAAF Base Townsville and $ 22 million HMAS Cairns Mid Term Refresh projects.
The Turnbull Government’s Local Industry Capability Plan will require tenderers bidding for major capital facilities projects to detail how they have engaged with local industry in providing their tendered solution and how local industry will support delivery of the project. “This program is fundamentally about ensuring that local companies in the vicinity of our Defence bases, facilities and training areas are properly considered and provided the opportunity to compete and win work,” Senator Payne said.
“As part of the Government’s 2016 Defence White Paper, we are upgrading defence infrastructure around Australia and this program will ensure local businesses are properly considered.”
Representatives from local firms attended a forum at Townsville RSL yesterday to discuss how they could benefit from the Government’s investment in local defence facilities.
North Queensland- based Senator Ian Macdonald said the inclusion of the Local Industry Capability Plan was a win for industry in the Townsville and Cairns regions.
“Along with Australia Singapore Military Training Initiative, this investment will boost local jobs and investment,” he said.