BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 3 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie
* $3 million awarded through theCrisafulli Government's$180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF) to Aviation Australia in Townsville.
* Investment supports aviation maintenance for the defencesector through new high-tech training equipment.
* TheCrisafulli Government is accelerating the growth of theDefence, Biomedical and Biofuels industries and building sovereign capability in Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has further reinforced thedefenceindustry inAustralia'sgarrison citywith$3millionawardedto Aviation Australia to boostdefenceaviation maintenance skills andexpand capabilitiesthrough the flagship $180.6 million Sovereign IndustryDevelopment Fund (SIDF).
Theinvestment will support theestablishmentof theTownsville Aviation Centre of Excellence(TACE), whichwill become a leading training facility forthe next generationofdefenceaviation maintenance engineers, supported by new high-technology simulation equipment including Aircraft MaintenanceTrainers,Virtual MaintenanceTrainersand other advanced system trainers.
Theestablishment ofTACEwillbolsterTownsville's position as a nationally significantdefenceaviation hub,deliveringthehands-ontrainingneededto supportAustralian DefenceForce aviation operations across North Queenslandinto the future.
The Sovereign Industry Development Fund is revitalising Queensland's industrial base after a decade of decline under Labor, by funding projects that help build a stronger, more resilient Queensland economy, attract private investment and secure long-term jobs and economic growth.
The Crisafulli Governmentis delivering better services through a stronger economy andlast week launchedDefence Q - a specialised group that will further position Queensland at the forefront of Australia's growing defence sectorand reinforce the significant partnerships already delivered throughtheSovereign Industry Development Fund.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the Sovereign Industry Development Fund was focused on delivery and backing investment-ready projects that would deliver real sovereign capability,supportjobsand long-term economic value for Queenslanders.
"This investment will increase Townsville-based sovereign capabilities in aviation maintenance engineering, including skills needed to maintain locally basedAustralian Defence Forceaircraft," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"After a decade of decline and Labor's scattergun approach to industry development, we are ensuring government investment is flowing to projects that are ready toproceedand capable of delivering tangible outcomes across theState.
"Queensland has a critical role in supporting Australia'sdefencecapability, and thisfunding willsupportskilled employment, regional supply chainsand sustainmentneeded to deliver that capability now and into the future."
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the investment would strengthen Townsville's position as a leading defence and aviation training centre.
"Townsville has long been at the forefront of supporting Australia's defence capability, and this investment will help ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to meet future demand, with the Townsville Aviation Centre of Excellence creating new opportunities for local workers, reinforcing our city's reputation as a national defence aviation hub," Mr Baillie said.
Member for Mundingburra and Assistant Minister for Community Safety, Defence Industry, Veterans and North Queensland Janelle Poole said strengthening defence industry capability in regional Queensland would deliver benefits well beyond Townsville.
"After a decade of decline under Labor,the CrisafulliGovernmentis investing in regional Queensland, helping to build sovereign skills and expertise locally, meaning more high-quality jobs in the region into the future," Ms Poole said.
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said the investment would help create local career pathways while supporting one of the region's most important industries.
"Afterour region was taken for granted byLaborforadecade,thisinvestmentis about giving local people access to world-class training, skillsand opportunitiesfor North Queensland families,"Ms Marr said.
Member forHinchinbrookWayde Chiesa saidNorth Queenslandwas well placed to play a larger role in supporting Australia'sdefenceand aviation sectors.
"Queensland is open for business again and the Crisafulli Government is investing inNorth Queensland andthe industries that will drive Queensland's future economic growthandsovereign capability,"Mr Chiesa said.
Aviation Australia CEO Glenn Ryan said the complexity of modern aviation anddefencedemanded a new generation of training solutions.
"By combining Aviation Australia's industry-leading expertise with advanced simulation and virtual training technologies, this investment will help grow Queensland's skilled workforce and ensure Australia continues to develop world-leading aviation professionals for the future needs ofdefenceand the aviation industry," Mr Ryan said.
"Townsville is a strategic aviation anddefencehub, and the Townsville Aviation Training Academy is uniquely positioned to support workforce growth through enhanced hands-on training that accelerates skills acquisition and builds capability fordefenceaviation maintenance engineers."
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT:Ash McDermid,0412 731 355
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
