Defence is pleased to announce the completion of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) Shoalwater Bay Training Area facilities project. This is a major milestone for the ASMTI.
Completion of the facilities is enabling Singapore Armed Forces personnel to conduct unilateral training for up to 9 weeks a year within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, as agreed under the Treaty concerning Military Training and Training Area Development in Australia.
Announced as Managing Contractor in August 2019, Laing O’Rourke led the development of Shoalwater Bay Training Area, including the construction of new facilities and upgrade of current infrastructure to support training activities of the Australian Defence Force and Singapore Armed Forces.
New facilities at Shoalwater Bay Training Area include:
- two Urban Operations Live-fire facilities
- camp accommodation and supporting infrastructure
- exercise control centre
- a role 2 enhanced medical facility.
Engagement with the local community and packaging the scope of works to support the local market resulted in more than 80% of the works being delivered by regional Queensland contractors and suppliers, stimulating skills development and economic growth within the region.
Early and ongoing engagement with the Darumbal traditional landowners resulted in positive outcomes for both the project and the Darumbal people, with 11% Indigenous participation and 7% of total spend with Indigenous businesses, exceeding project targets.
Defence is committed to maximising economic benefits for communities and opportunities for local industry in Central Queensland across the life of the ASMTI and anticipates there will be ongoing opportunities for local businesses in logistics, maintenance, administrative and transportation support, now that the new facilities are operational.