Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, the Singapore military have converged on Central Queensland armed with big weapons and big wallets. Up to 4,200 Singapore defence troops are expected to inject at least $35 million to $40 million into the Rockhampton-Yeppoon economies during military Exercise Wallaby 2015 over the next two months.

This year's event marks the 25th anniversary of Exercise Wallaby conducted at Shoalwater Bay military training ground, considered one of the best in the Pacific. These troops are extremely important to the local economy and, as a result, I am urging local people to extend some hospitality and say g'day to a Singaporean if they see the troops about the city.

Last year Singapore defence spent $35 million in Capricornia. This year it is estimated that $24 million to $30 million will be spent with local contractors on logistics and supplies, $3 million to $4 million on accommodation and hospitality services and as much as $3 million to $4 million is expected to be spent by individual service men and women, on retail and tourism, when they get recreational leave in the area.

In addition, Singapore defence provides nearly $2 million to Australian Defence in support costs, including equipment support for operations at Rockhampton airport. This money is all spent locally in the electorate of Capricornia.