The Queensland Government has released its Defence Industries 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, aiming to develop a $7 billion defence industries sector by 2028.

State Development and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Dick said supporting the defence industries sector with a range of initiatives could see the creation of 3500 new jobs.

“The Federal Government’s Defence White Paper and the pace of technological change presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for defence suppliers,” he said.

“I want to see Queensland businesses reap the benefits.

“Our state’s defence industries employ more than 6500 people and generated an estimated $6.3 billion in revenue in 2015-16.

“The Queensland Government’s attraction of Rheinmetall to build their Land 400 Boxer military combat reconnaissance vehicles here demonstrates that we are increasingly being recognised as our nation’s next-generation defence supplier.

“So too does the Federal Government’s decision to base the Defence Cooperative Research Centre for Trusted Autonomous Systems in Queensland.”

Mr Dick said $10 million had been allocated to fund defence hubs in Ipswich and Townsville.

The hubs would be a source of advice and expertise, focusing on regional supply chain logistics as well as maintenance.

Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said consultation on the hubs was planned for later in 2018, in order to ensure that they delivered on the needs of industry, councils and the community.

Ms O’Rourke said the roadmap also included a development fund to help Queensland small to medium size enterprises get the skills and accreditations needed to compete in the global marketplace.

To assist development of the State’s defence industries, the State Government has appointed three strategic defence advisors to support and help attract major defence projects to Queensland.

The new advisers are retired Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, retired Rear Admiral Simon Cullen and retired Air Vice-Marshal Neil Hart.