Local businesses will be given a greater opportunity to be involved in construction works for the Shoalwater Bay Training Area remediation and expansion projects. The Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne, and the Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry MP, announced a major milestone for the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and Defence’s Local Industry Capability Plan (LICP) pilot.
F.K. Gardner and Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd Joint Venture has been announced as the managing contractor to deliver the SWBTA Remediation Project and have developed a Local Industry Capability Plan, to ensure local businesses can take advantage of opportunities arising from this project.
“The SWBTA Remediation Project represents the first of the major managing contracts to be signed with a Local Industry Capability Plan,” Minister Payne said.
“Through the Government’s LICP, local businesses and suppliers can expect to benefit from a majority portion of Defence’s investment into projects.”
Minister Payne said she was pleased the managing contractor had already held discussions with local suppliers and businesses, and has committed to increase and enhance the existing local workforce.
“Through the implementation of the Local Industry Capability Plan, the F.K. Gardner and Downer joint venture has committed to sourcing of 80 per cent of its construction subcontractors from the Livingstone and Rockhampton regions,” Minister Payne said.
“The Government’s LICP initiative is helping to create local jobs and investment and encourage strong local industry near Defence facilities including the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, to support Defence over the long term,” Minister Payne said.
Ms Landry said the LICP further demonstrates the Coalition government’s commitment to regional Australia.
“Today’s milestone is more evidence that the Coalition government recognises the important role regional Australians play in ensuring our national economic prosperity,” Ms Landry said.
“The LICP is another example of how we are ensuring Australians outside the major cities are able to benefit from the economic opportunities created by the Coalition government’s record investment in defence,” Ms Landry said.
The remediation and enhancement of the SWBTA Training will support the ADF and its partners to conduct their training exercises in a sustainable environment.
Two major capital facilities projects will now be delivering works at SWBTA using a Local Industry Capability Plan.
