North Queensland Defence Industry Park
Background
Townsville is one of Australia’s prime strategic Defence regions. It has significant Australian Defence Force representation, an extensive industry network, an established ready workforce, and a demonstrated capacity for growth and innovation. Based on current regional capabilities and the increasing political strategic imperative to deliver “a secure nearer region, encompassing maritime SE Asia and the South Pacific” the opportunity for Townsville and the near region to support the national Defence mission is undeniable.
The North Queensland Defence Industry Park is a 10 hectare site that strategically brings together and leverages the combined expertise of health, education, research and Defence to deliver:
- Defence Industry Innovation
- Integrated soldier systems
- Clinical simulation and training
- Advanced environmental simulation
- Marine research, simulation, and autonomous systems
- Research, testing and translation to market
- Emergency and disaster management simulation and training
- Testing and deployment of new systems and technologies for the tropics, in the tropics.
Pilot Project - NQ SPARK
Underpinning this strategic initiative is the $32m NQ SPARK project. NQ SPARK will deliver an Advanced Environmental Simulation Facility (AESF) as the foundation infrastructure for a technology-oriented collaborative precinct, on a common boundary between Lavarack Barracks, James Cook University (JCU) and Townsville University Hospital. This development will co-locate anchor tenant Cubic Defence, as well as provide additional commercial space for industry collaboration.
Regional Benefit
The North Queensland Defence Industry Park is expected to deliver considerable economic benefits to the Townsville, Queensland and Australian economy. Construction over the life of the project is estimated to generate $121.37 million in Gross Domestic Product and 834 FTE jobs, including 262 directly (Townsville is expected to receive $77.9 million GRP benefit and support 555 FTE jobs, including 193 directly).
As the 10 hectare site welcomes new Defence industry tenants, subsequent benefits include increased economic output, job creation in high value sectors, industry partnerships, research and commercialisation opportunities, and ultimately, the required Defence industry presence in Townsville to support the national Defence mission.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit their interest.
