Defence opportunities highlighted to local manufacturers

Businesses involved in heavy vehicle manufacturing and servicing are better connected with commercial and defence opportunities in Queensland after a targeted industry forum in Brisbane last night.

The free industry forum delivered by Defence Industries Queensland (DIQ), in partnership with Enterprise Connect and Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN), provided the chance to hear from leading organisations on commercial and defence opportunities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said last evening’s forum brought together large companies and SMEs in the sector for the first time.

“This forum was not just about DIQ getting to know the supply chain, it was about connecting the entities with each other to better position themselves for further opportunities down the track,” Mr Seeney said.

“DIQ has hit the ground running since Premier Campbell Newman launched the division and appointed Defence Industries Envoy Lindsay Pears in March.

“The team has also wasted no time in getting to know the length and breadth of the industry and associated supply chains in Queensland.

“They haven’t just been sitting at desks doing analysis. They have gone out talking, listening and connecting with companies to broaden the opportunities.

Mr Seeney said the state had a significant capability in heavy vehicle manufacturing and supply chain delivery in both the commercial and defence sectors.

“A large proportion of this activity takes place in Brisbane suburbs centred around the Wacol area,” he said.

“Over the next 10 years there will be significant opportunities for local industry to participate in defence’s biggest projects to support land based transport and tactical fleet replacements and sustainment such as the Land 121, JP2097 and Land 400 projects. 

“This also includes integration of various layers of sensors, command and control systems, networks and other electronic systems. 

“Regionally significant defence projects are underway in Asia that may also provide opportunities for local small to medium enterprises.”

Volvo Group Governmental Sales Oceania General Manager Keith Harding said his team was progressing many opportunities to supply and manufacture vehicles for Emergency Services, Internal Security and Defence over the next few years.

“In addition to planned opportunities, there are a number of defence and government tenders due for release in which the vehicles will be offered for manufacture here in Brisbane. This will promote further opportunities for suppliers and create additional jobs,” Mr Harding said.

“Our intention is to manufacture our Sherpa vehicles here at our Richlands facility. The Sherpa family of 4x4 tactical and light armoured vehicles are designed to provide light forces with the best mobility and payload.”

Defence Industries Queensland was launched 11 March 2013 as a long-term commitment to support defence industries. The unit’s scope extends from strategic assessments, to working with supplier groups to ensure local companies can take advantage of international project work.

[ENDS] 1 May 2013

Media Contact: Kate Haddan 0418 373 516