“These advanced training areas being delivered under the ASMTI will benefit the ADF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), while enhancing our bilateral relationship and providing significant local economic opportunities for North Queensland,” Minister Reynolds said.

“When this initiative reaches maturity, up to 14,000 SAF personnel will conduct training in Central and North Queensland for up to 18-weeks-a-year for 25 years, which will provide enduring economic benefits to the region.

“This initiative will be key to bolstering growth and supporting local jobs in North Queensland as the economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,”Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said.

“Major construction work would bring significant economic opportunities to the region,”Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said.

“Construction at Greenvale will create local jobs and investment and support local industry in North Queensland. CPB Contractors has committed to sourcing about 90 per cent of work from the North Queensland region surrounding the proposed training area. This is a massive investment that will ensure local business can take advantage of the opportunities arising from construction of the new Defence training area.CPB Contractors has also committed to sourcing four per cent of the contracted price from Indigenous enterprises and at least four per cent of the full-time workforce from Indigenous Australians, “Minister Melissa said.

“The works would provide a much-needed economic boost for the Townsville region,” Herbert MP Phillip Thompson OAM said.

“This news comes at such an important time as the local economy continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. CPB Contractors will soon begin engaging with local industry, with initial design for works commencing early next year. I encourage local businesses to be ready to benefit from the opportunities this initiative will provide,” MP Herbert said.

Townsville-based Senator for Queensland, Susan McDonald said the Morrison Government is committed to maximising participation of Australian businesses.

“This initiative is already delivering significant economic benefits for Queensland through the ASMTI. This will only continue to increase when construction commences in mid-2022,” Senator Susan said.

Additional early works packages to be delivered between 2020 and 2022 will include fencing and signage, contamination remediation, and construction of firebreaks. These packages will range in value from $50,000 to $4 million.