Three Queensland companies have been awarded nearly $6 million in Defence contracts under the $2.25 billion Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI).
They are: JRT Civil (Yeppoon) for the design and construction of a combination of temporary and permanent works associated with access to precincts and hardstands for site establishment; Bellequip (Rockhampton) for the precinct site set up and access including civil works for the site compound; and Tunuba (Rockhampton) for delineation fencing.
“Singapore is a close defence partner, with a shared commitment to regional stability. It has conducted training in Australia for almost 30 years,” Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said. “The Government has agreed Singapore’s training in Australia can proceed, with strict adherence to COVID-19 quarantine and other requirements.
"Following close consultation with Singapore, we expect training will be on a smaller scale than previous years due to COVID-19. This includes not proceeding with Exercise Wallaby in 2020.
“Singapore’s training will still carry significant benefits for both countries, including through the ASMTI. The ASMTI will deliver advanced military training areas in Central and North Queensland that meet the future needs of both armed forces.
“We are seeing the real benefits of the ASMTI flowing to the local region with up to 200 contract works packages to be made available over the life of the project, and the Projects construction workforce expected to peak at 450 people, as part of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area expansion."
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the new contracts were a positive sign for industry and the local economy during a challenging period.
“It is great to see these work packages being rolled out in Central Queensland,” Minister Price said. “This is tangible evidence our Local Industry Capability Plan initiative, targeted at maximising opportunity for local businesses to be involved in Defence infrastructure projects, continues to deliver for the region and the Defence portfolio.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry noted that Tunuba is a joint venture between CQG Consulting and the Darumbal people, who are the Traditional Owners of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.
The three companies are among 15 based in the Rockhampton and Livingston Shire that have so far been engaged for design and construction of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area expansion.