The government has signed an agreement with NQ Spark Pty Ltd, paving the way for work to begin on northern Australia’s first collaborative defence industry hub.
North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ Spark) will be a newly developed simulation facility in Townsville, and is supported by the Townsville City Council, the Queensland Government and James Cook University.
The $32.2 million agreement will deliver a collaborative precinct providing simulation training opportunities for regional science and the defence, emergency response, health and knowledge sectors in Townsville to help support research and development.
“The NQ Spark facility will deliver world-class simulation training and opportunities to north Queensland,” Acting Minister for Defence, Brendan O’Connor said.
“This investment, led by defence industry in Townsville, means more jobs and more opportunities for the local community.”
“Development of the NQ Spark facility is expected to generate up to 800 jobs and inject over $200 million into the local economy, which is a significant boost for the north Queensland community," Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy said.
“This is a unique integration of industry sectors such as health, emergency services and universities, with flow-on social and economic benefits to the broader community. This facility will bring these sectors together through defence industry, to deliver world class simulation training.
“NQ Spark can set the benchmark for similar initiatives across the country.”
The Department of Defence will work closely with NQ Spark throughout the planning and development stages to support the successful delivery of the facility.
The facility will be built in Douglas between James Cook University, Townsville University Hospital and Lavarack Barracks, including around 13,400 square metres of commercial industry space.