Page 147 - Australian Defence Magazine September 2018

ESTATE and Infrastructure Group (E&IG) will undertake the enhancement and expan- sion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and the creation of a new train- ing area in North Queensland. This work is being led by Chris Birrer, First Assistant Sec- retary – Infrastructure for E&IG.
A $135 million remediation program in the SWBTA is due to get underway next year and is expected to run over three years. The series of works will focus on the enhancing the Defence’s use of the training area, providing better training outcomes, while maintaining the area’s environmental values. The Shoalwater Bay Training Area will also be expanded under the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI), with con- struction set to commence next year.
The expansion is being undertaken under a Memorandum of Understand-
ing between the Australian and Singa- porean Governments, which will de- liver enhanced training outcomes for both the ADF and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The Singapore Govern- ment will make an investment of over $2 billion in the Central and North Queensland regions.
The ASMTI will also see the creation of a new training area in North Queensland. It is proposed that a training area will be built near Greenvale, North-West of Townsville, subject to the successful pur- chase of land from willing sellers.
Shoalwater Bay Training
Area Remediation Project Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne, announced the appointment of the joint venture, FK Gardner and Downer EDI works as the Managing
NIGEL PITTAWAY | MELBOURNE
A series of initiatives are currently underway to enhance training areas
in Central and North Queensland. These infrastructure projects will not just benefit the ADF but will provide significant economic opportunities to the local regions and enhance Australia’s relationship with its key allies.
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