Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

This is an important aspect of the MOU between Australia and Singapore because it is a milestone that will deliver significant economic opportunities for the Townsville and Rockhampton regions. As part of the memorandum of understanding, priority will also be given—and this is a very important part of the announcement—to local businesses around the Townsville Field Training Area and the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in support of both the phases of development and the ongoing training activities, which will, of course, boost regional jobs and growth.

Roughly $1 billion will be invested in each of the Townsville and Rockhampton regions between 2016 and 2026. It is a very significant undertaking. As Singapore's training presence begins to increase, the demand for support services and opportunities for local businesses will expand. As the training presence reaches maturity, the government expects there will be an additional $10-16 million annual investment in both Townsville and Rockhampton. This is significant for jobs, significant for business and significant for— (Time expired)