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The government is moving forward with important works for the development of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) facility, announcing the shortlist of managing contractors competing for the $800 million contract for facilities at the new training area located near Greenvale in north Queensland.
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The shortlisted companies are CPB Contractors, Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction and Lendlease Building.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the ASMTI will see $2.25 billion invested in developing and enhancing training areas, to meet the future needs of both the Australian Defence Force and Singapore’s Armed Forces.
“Singapore is a close defence partner with a shared commitment to regional stability, having conducted military training in Australia for almost 30 years,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The ASMTI will enhance our Defence relationship with Singapore and bring great benefit to both our defence forces.
“This government is committed to maximising economic benefits for communities and enhancing opportunities for local industry in north Queensland across the life of the ASMTI.
“This initiative will be key to bolstering growth and supporting jobs as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Morrison government’s priority was to ensure the successful managing contractor delivered maximum benefits for the region.
“They will be required to have a local industry capability plan, which details its approach to continually engage with local industry throughout the project and maximise opportunities in the local region,” Minister Price said.
“Like the expansion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, the plan will ensure local businesses can take advantage of the economic benefits arising from what is an enormous investment in the Queensland economy.”
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said the works would provide a much-needed employment boost for the Townsville region.
“This news has come at a good time as the local economy recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Thompson said.
“I would encourage local businesses to be ready and be prepared to maximise the opportunities arising from this investment.”
Townsville-based senator for Queensland, Susan McDonald, said the ASMTI was already delivering significant economic benefits for Queensland.
“Fifteen businesses based in the Rockhampton and Livingstone shire regions have already shared more than $35 million of work,” Senator McDonald said.
“The government’s primary goal is to obtain value for money to deliver defence capabilities, while maximising participation of Australian businesses in this mission.”
The successful tenderer will be announced in the coming months at the conclusion of the official tender period.
