STRENGTHENING THE FUTURE OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

By Georgie Desailly

The Defence Strategic Review and the 2023 Defence Budget have re-emphasised the importance of Australia’s northern bases, highlighting the Pacific as the primary focus for Defence moving forward.

In 2021, it was announced that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) would be acquiring 29 new Boeing Apache Guardian attack helicopters to replace the existing Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters.

In line with the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, Townsville, which already serves as the home for the Army’s Chinook helicopters, has been selected as the base for the new Apache fleet.

Federal Herbert MP Phillip Thompson, says this decision reflects the ADF’s efforts to modernise its aviation capabilities and enhance its ability to respond to a range of threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We have great facilities out at the RAAF Base, we have industry that already supports other helicopters, we have excellent flight training areas and we’re also right near the biggest field training area,” he says. “We’re the largest garrison city in the country so it makes sense. Our geographical proximity to the Pacific is also strategically important and allows for quick development if needed.”

The first delivery of the Apache fleet is expected to occur in 2025, with all 29 helicopters set to be delivered by 2029.

In the May announcement of the Federal Budget, an additional $1.2 billion was allocated for upgrades at Lavarack Barracks and the RAAF Base.

This covers factors such as the construction of new hangars, maintenance facilities and training simulators to support the deployment of the Apaches in the region.

“With the Apache being based in Townsville, our facilities will need rejigging and upgrading which will create work for local business and more jobs for our community,” continues Phillip.

“Having the Apache means more firepower where it’s needed on the battlefield. We hope never to have to use these capabilities but in the current environment we need to be prepared for anything.”

The Apache helicopters will be maintained by their manufacturers, Boeing, through a new Townsville Industry Node. This will enable the company to provide maintenance, repair and build a local supply chain of specialists in areas such as turbine engines, avionics and landing gear.

CEO of Townsville Enterprise Claudia Brumme-Smith says the Apache relocation and the announced upgrades is a vote of confidence for the region.

“This gives us confidence that Defence and Defence industry will continue to invest here, create hi-tech jobs, allow TAFE to develop training offerings for contractors working with Defence and provide long-term certainty for maintenance capabilities for Defence aviation in Townsville,” she notes.

“The Boeing Industry Node and the upgrades to the RAAF Base and Lavarack Barracks is both encouraging and exciting. It is a significant development for the Defence force, ensuring our troops are well-equipped.”

Such developments will also play a key role in attracting national and international defence-related conferences, events and forums to the region.

However, Townsville Enterprise continues its advocacy for the establishment of a maintenance and logistics hub in Townsville, emphasising its role in further supporting the region’s development and defence capabilities.

“We continue our conversations with Government for the maintenance and logistics of the Defence industry to be in Townsville. It is essential to have sufficient supply and capability in the region to enable faster deployment.”

Townsville Business Women’s Circle – JCU Business Bites

May’s Townsville Business Women’s Circle (TBWC)

JCU Business Bites was held at Rockpool Pavilion, with attendees learning about ‘The Power of PR’ from Julie Johnston, Managing Director of Creative Concepts PR and BDmag. Guests enjoyed a light breakfast while jotting down ideas for potential PR opportunities unique to their business or organisations.

TBWC JCU Business Bites are held monthly. Follow on social media for upcoming events.