Following the success of military exercises in Bundaberg on the weekend, local businesses are encouraged to get “defence ready” and capitalise on increased Federal Government investment in the sector.
With the Government set to invest $214 billion into Defence nationally local businesses are encouraged to attend a free workshop and learn how to to potentially benefit.
Investments are being made in infrastructure and improved capability, opening the door for businesses specialising in engineering, supply chain and logistics, building and construction, food manufacturing, facilities management and maintenance.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said Council had engaged a contractor to offer the workshop free of charge to help the Bundaberg Region secure as much as that funding as possible.
“There is no doubt the Bundaberg Region has the professional expertise, knowledge and skill to help the Federal Government deliver its defence strategy,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Council is committed to attracting and growing a strong defence economy in the region.
“In doing so we’re looking to provide practical and targeted support to help businesses win defence contracts.
“Up to 50 local businesses will be able to take part in this exciting opportunity to hear directly from experienced defence consultants Vaxa.”
Get defence ready with workshop
Just some of the proposed defence projects proposed surrounding the region include:
- $130m funded operational expansion at the Shoalwater Bay Defence asset
- $660m Australian-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) Facilities Project works at the Shoalwater Bay Trainig Area (SWBTA)
- $60m Maryborough Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Forging Plant
- $50m North Queensland Training Facility
- LAND 4502 Additional Chinook Facilities project, Townsville
“The workshop will ensure businesses have the industrial capability, knowledge and technical savvy to tap into these lucrative commercial opportunities,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“It will provide an introduction to working in the defence sector, how to deal directly with defence or access prime contractor supply chains.”
He said the recent Talisman Sabre exercise was evidence of how suitable the region was to host defence exercises.
“Talisman Sabre is a great example of how the Bundaberg Region is uniquely positioned to support the defence force,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“We have an excellent airport and all necessary facilities to successfully host large scale military training exercises.”
Registrations are essential for the defence ready workshop, to be held at the Multiplex from 3.30 to 5.30pm on August 19.
Complete a short survey and register your interest to attend before 12 August.
The Bundaberg Region is also investigating opportunities to blast in to the space economy and Mayor Dempsey said there was a synergy between the two industries, given links between defence and aerospace.
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