The promise of an international defence training agreement is being realised in Rockhampton.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator David Fawcett has announced the appointment of Laing O’Rourke as Managing Contractor for the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative Facilities project works at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. (SWBTA)

“Injecting up to $660 million into the regional economy over a five-year period, the Project will deliver enhanced military training areas to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) while fostering Australia’s close relationship with the Singaporean Armed Forces (SAF),” Senator Fawcett said.

“The construction work, to commence by the end of 2019, will bring significant economic opportunities to the region, create local jobs and investment, and support local industry near the SWBTA.”

The project will see Singaporean troops train at both Shoalwater Bay north of Rockhampton and the High Range Training Area near Townsville.

Over the life of the initiative, there will be an injection of approximately $2 billion into Queensland’s regional economies, including an estimated $50 million spent annually during the construction phase, said Senator Fawcett.

ASMTI carries with it an 80 per cent regional industry participation guarantee covering a wide range of categories, which means local businesses would be invited to participate in a minimum $640 million value across the project delivery, said Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll,

“Laing O’Rourke has been a Gold Member of Capricorn Enterprise for a number of years,” Ms Carroll said. “My team looks forward to our continued partnership …”

“This is a huge opportunity for our industry and associated businesses, with the injection of a minimum of $640 Million direct economic benefit enabling new employment opportunities, industry expansion and investment plus improving business confidence across the broader central Queensland region.”

They recognised the leadership demonstrated by former Defence Minister Marise Payne in supporting regional industry participation and the contribution of local Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, Ms Carroll said.