Defence infrastructure around Queensland will be redeveloped as part of a 10-year, $270 billion funding package unveiled by the Federal Government.

In its 2020 Defence Strategic Update, the Government has signalled a key change in Australia’s defence posture, as it prioritises the Indo-Pacific region.

The update provides a new plan to tackle Australia’s defence challenges while increasing investment and personnel across the entire ADF.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the strategic update would also mean more job opportunities as Australia’s increasingly capable and sovereign defence industry grew.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds and Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Government’s defence strategy would create new jobs and investment in Queensland over the next decade.

As part of the strategy, $3 billion will be spent redeveloping a number of defence facilities, including Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks and RAAF Base, RAAF Base Scherger, HMAS Cairns, and Shoalwater Bay and Townsville training areas.

In southern Queensland, Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera, Swartz Barracks at Oakey, Borneo Barracks at Cabarlah, Kokoda Barracks at Canungra and RAAF Base Amberley will be redeveloped.

“Local industry involvement in the delivery of these projects will be maximised through the Government’s Local Industry Capability Plan initiative,” Senator Reynolds and Ms Price said.

“This ensures that local suppliers, contractors and tradies have the opportunity to secure more of this work, creating more jobs for local communities in Queensland.”

Part of the package will involve $5.2 billion spent on delivering 211 Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, 186 of which will be built in South East Queensland.