Welcome support for CQ Defence Industry Hub

Published on 16 July 2021

Rockhampton Regional Council and Livingstone Shire Council have welcomed the State Government’s support for Central Queensland to become a bigger hub for the Defence Industry.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced last week that lease arrangements had been secured at Shoalwater Bay which would allow for 14,000 Singapore Armed Forces personnel to train between there and Townsville.

Mayor Tony Williams said the announcement also highlighted Central Queensland’s capacity to become a bigger hub for the Defence Industry.

“It’s really pleasing to join Mayor Ireland in supporting the State and Federal Governments to bring more SAF personnel to our regions,” Mayor Williams said.

“We have a relationship with Singapore stretching back more than three decades and we look forward to welcoming thousands more troops here annually as part of Exercise Wallaby to not only train at Shoalwater Bay but to enjoy their RnR here in Rockhampton and Livingstone.

“As part of that announcement it was pleasing to see the spotlight put on the potential of Rockhampton Airport to growing Central Queensland’s Defence Industry and I look forward to working with our neighbouring councils, state and federal governments to welcome more visiting troops here as we continue efforts to secure a permanent Australian Defence Force presence in our region,” Mayor Williams said.

Livingstone Shire Mayor Andy Ireland said the Australian Defence Force’s Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area has been fantastic for Livingstone Shire and the wider Central Queensland region.

“We have a strong and long-standing relationship with the Australian Defence Force and their allies and welcome the ongoing economic benefits that flow to our local businesses and contractors from military presence in the region,” Mayor Ireland said.