The State’s first Defence Industry Hub has opened in Ipswich with the aim of recruiting more businesses for the Defence supply chain.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the hub would help grow Queensland’s Defence industry and create more local jobs.
“We already have a significant Defence industry supply chain established in the Ipswich region, but we want more small-to-medium enterprises to take advantage of the growing opportunities,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We’ve allocated $5 million to the hub so it can help local businesses get on the Defence radar and be considered for contracts in areas like heavy vehicle manufacturing and maintenance, aerospace maintenance and autonomous systems development.”
Ms Palaszczuk said Ipswich was one of Queensland’s major locations for military and civilian Defence activity.
“Our aim is to have more than 10,000 Defence jobs in Queensland by 2028, and the Ipswich Defence Industry Hub is going to help us reach that goal,” she said.
Minister for State Development, Cameron Dick said dedicated hub staff were in place to help businesses become ‘Defence-ready’.
“Through a targeted program of activities and workshops, hub staff will help local businesses understand Defence industry requirements, supporting them as they expand their capabilities and bid for Defence contracts,” Mr Dick said.
Member for Ipswich, Jennifer Howard said the hub would become central to the city’s job and business prospects.
“More than 10 per cent of all jobs in Ipswich are supported by the Defence industry and its supply chain, so this hub is vital for our future,” Ms Howard said.
