Defence today welcomed the results of the KPMG Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (the Initiative).
The initiative was agreed with Singapore as part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2015, and will result in enhanced training areas in Queensland. To ensure Defence has an understanding of the effects these enhancements may have on the surrounding regions, KPMG was engaged to conduct an independent assessment of the social and economic impacts of the Initiative.
“KPMG’s Socio-Economic Impact Assessment has confirmed communities across Central and North Queensland will benefit as a result of the Initiative,” Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative Program Manager, Brigadier Tim Bayliss said.
“The Initiative will see around $2 billion invested in Queensland during the seven year construction phase, resulting in up to 591 new jobs.”
“Once construction is complete and the enhanced training areas are operational, the Initiative will support up to 147 new and ongoing jobs for Queenslanders.”
This increased investment comes on top of Defence’s existing investment in these two regions.
The KPMG Socio-Economic Impact Assessment, which involved significant community consultation, will be an important input to inform Defence’s continued planning for the Initiative as well as Government decisions on the enhancements.
“Defence is committed to engaging with local communities and businesses to ensure they are well-placed to benefit from the opportunities presented by this Initiative and to minimising any adverse impacts,” Brigadier Bayliss said.
“Defence will continue to consult closely with willing sellers, the community and industry at each step of the Initiative’s implementation to ensure the best outcomes for local communities, Defence and our bilateral relationship with Singapore.”
To enhance this consultation, Defence has recently appointed a dedicated Business and Community Liaison, Mick Reilly, to lead engagement with local communities in Central and North Queensland.
“A key part of my role will be helping Defence to incorporate the views of the community into its planning,” Mr Reilly said.
The KPMG assessment confirms the positive and enduring economic impact the Initiative will have on the Queensland economy over the next 25 years.
Media note:
The full report and factsheets can be found on the website: www.defence.gov.au/Initiatives/ASMTI/
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
