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| First Canberra class LHD Under-Construction (File Photo) |
CANBERRA, Australia, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Australia's Ministry of Defense has opened an $85 million revamp of the Quayside Terminal and Wharf 10 at the Port of Townsville facility that will accommodate the navy's newest Canberra-class ships.
The upgrade has been designed to expand Australia's military capabilities and the growing cruise ship market, Minister for Defense David Johnston said.
"The upgrade will enhance the capability to support the navy's landing helicopter dock [ships] and the capacity to provide access for other visiting Royal Australian Navy and foreign warships," he said.
"This marks an important milestone for defense in achieving an amphibious capability for our new landing helicopter docks and for the local economy in Townsville."
The city, with a population of nearly 200,000, is home to the Australian army's Amphibious Readiness Element.
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