CAPRICORNIA’S defence training area at Shoalwater Bay was in the Government’s focus again today, as local MP Michelle Landry toured the site with Assistant Defence Minister Michael McCormack. The pair inspected Australian Defence Force facilities which support Navy, Army and Air Force training.
“Central Queensland, particularly the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, is a unique and important location for the Australian Defence Force and international Military training partners,” Mr McCormack said.
“It is a privilege to visit and see first-hand where our military personnel conduct specific, high-level training to meet capability objectives.”
Shoalwater Bay Training Area will be upgraded to support the range of new land combat and amphibious warfare capabilities over the next decade to 2025-26, representing an investment of up to $140 million. An additional investment of around $40 million is planned for the decade between 2025-26 and 2035-36.
“New facilities at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area will support the introduction of new armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance unmanned aircraft in the early 2020s,” Mr McCormack said.
Ms Landry said the Defence White Paper investment was a further boost for Northern Australia.
“Our Government has a particular focus on building capacity for new jobs and investing in the future of Northern Australia – whether its water, agriculture or defence infrastructure,” Ms Landry said.
“This $140 million defence investment from The Nationals in Government is further proof that we back Capricornia’s future and understand the important role our region plays in the nation’s Defence strategy and capability.
“The recently-released Defence White Paper is a long term and comprehensive plan for Australia’s Defence in which the Capricornia region plays an important role. This investment will also create local jobs and growth through construction and additional ADF movements in the region.”
AUS DoD - Assistant Minister for Defence