FNQ businesses in box seat with defence contract win

Published Wednesday, 14 March, 2018 at 02:57 PM

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Cairns’ Redcat Industries is one of the big winners following the announcement of Rheinmetall Defence Australia as the successful tenderer for the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 contract.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the announcement marked the culmination of a lengthy and active campaign from the Palaszczuk Government to secure the contract for Queensland.

“The LAND 400 Phase 2 contract to deliver the next generation of combat reconnaissance vehicles to the Australian Army is a catalytic project, and attracting a global defence giant like Rheinmetall to Queensland will create opportunities for local industry for decades to come,” he said.

“This landmark project is an economic game-changer that will create 450 advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs for Queenslanders and pump $1 billion into the state’s economy in the first 10 years.

“Winning this contract will drive high-tech innovation, boost investment, and create global export opportunities for everyone along the extensive supply chain across the state, including businesses in the Cairns region.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said Redcat Industries was one of four Queensland businesses that has a teaming agreement with Rheinmetall.

“This means more work for Cairns locals and more high-skill jobs in the local community for years to come,” he said.

“Redcat Industries will also benefit from the transfer of technologies and skills to make them even more competitive.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said: “The Cairns region is ready to reap the benefits of this major win for Queensland, including job creation, booming business and invaluable industry growth.

“In addition to Redcat Industries, Far North Queensland businesses who participated in a Rheinmetall briefing and had a first-hand look over the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle last year could be in the running for local work coming out of this decision.”

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said: "I'm proud to have been able to support and be a part of Queensland's bid to secure the $5 billion Land400 Australian Army defence contract."

"I met with Ron Mason from Redlynch-based Redcat Industries in Archerfield last July as part of the bid team. The win by Rheinmetall is a win for Queensland and a vote of confidence in companies like Redcat, just as much as it is in the Palaszczuk Government's focus on attracting more jobs and more industry to Queensland.

"Late last year I hosted Rheinmetall in Cairns as part of their visit to nine regional centres where they met with representatives from 211 companies while touring the Boxer around Queensland.

"Rheinmetall has announced teaming arrangements with several Queensland businesses already and we want to see businesses from across the Far North linking with Rheinmetall as part of their supply chain and enjoying the rewards that come from playing their part in building the next generation of defence vehicles for our country."

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said: “With more than 100 of the new military vehicles to be based in Townsville and Enoggera, there will undoubtedly be regional supply and support opportunities.

“Watch this space as Rheinmetall is still looking for supply chain partners for LAND 400 and other projects and will continue investigating the potential of Queensland businesses, including businesses in the Cook electorate.”

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart said that selecting Queensland as the home for its MILVEHCOE - which will be their biggest presence outside of Germany - was a natural choice given the proximity to the largest Army presence in the nation, the existing heavy vehicle precinct, the skilled and ready workforce, and the ecosystem of high-tech defence companies already here.

“We are committed to transferring expertise and advanced military technology into Australia and creating an industrial hub of research and development that will create a strong sovereign military vehicle capability that will be globally competitive for infantry fighting vehicle programs worldwide,” he said.

Minister Dick said after working on attracting the LAND 400 Phase 2 contract to the state for nearly three years, the Palaszczuk Government was now looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Australia.

“Rheinmetall’s success is testament to all the advantages that a Queensland location offers to modern land defence projects, and cements the state’s reputation as Australia’s front line for defence industries.”

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Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039