Three Central Queensland businesses have grabbed a $5.7 million share of Defence contracts stemming from the $2.25 billion Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI).

They are among 15 companies based in the Rockhampton and Livingstone region that have so far been engaged for design and construction of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area expansion.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the important Defence work came at a time when the local economy was trying to move quickly to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is particularly pleasing that $5.7 million in contracts is going to three businesses based in the Rockhampton and Livingstone Shire regions,” Ms Landry said.

“This includes Tunuba Pty Ltd, a joint venture between CQG Consulting and the Darumbal people, who are the Traditional Owners of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and focus on employing locals.”

The following contracts have been awarded for various civil and fencing works:

• JRT Civil (Yeppoon) – Design and construction of a combination of temporary and permanent works associated with access to precincts and hardstands for site establishment.
• Bellequip (Rockhampton) – Precinct site set up and access including civil works for site compound.
• Tunuba (Rockhampton) – Delineation fencing.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the Government had agreed Singapore’s training in Australia could proceed, with strict adherence to COVID-19 quarantine and other requirements.

“Following close consultation with Singapore, we expect training will be on a smaller scale than previous years due to COVID-19. This includes not proceeding with Exercise Wallaby in 2020,” she said.

“Singapore’s training will still carry significant benefits for both countries, including through the ASMTI. The ASMTI will deliver advanced military training areas in Central and North Queensland that meet the future needs of both armed forces.

“We are seeing the real benefits of the ASMTI flowing to the local region with up to 200 contract works packages to be made available over the life of the project, and the project’s construction workforce expected to peak at 450 people, as part of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area expansion.”

“These contract packages will be key to bolstering growth and supporting jobs as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.”