Redbank lands centre of military excellence

Queensland’s construction, advanced manufacturing and defence industry sectors are again riding high, with the Palaszczuk Government furthering yesterday’s LAND 400 contract win by today announcing Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s highly-anticipated Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence and Australia-New Zealand headquarters will be built at Redbank Industrial Estate, near Ipswich.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick today revealed the location for the project at a breakfast gathering of key industry representatives and small to medium enterprises at Hilton Manufacturing in Wacol - one of the companies that has a teaming agreement with Rheinmetall.

The Minister said even more jobs and supply chain opportunities would flow to Queensland firms following on from yesterday’s historic announcement that Rheinmetall and Queensland had won the Federal Government’s $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 contract.

“Rheinmetall considered a number of options across South East Queensland for this world-class facility, and settled on the dedicated industrial zone within the Redbank Motorway Estate,” he said.

“This choice of location will make use of the existing heavy vehicle manufacturing and employment hub, as well as the highly-skilled workforce within the area.

“Locating the centre of excellence near major transport routes will also achieve supply chain efficiencies and attract further investment and growth in the defence and advanced manufacturing sector.

“Construction of the MILVEHCOE will support an average of 200 direct jobs over three years, and the LAND 400 Phase 2 project will provide an unrivalled catalyst for the further development of Queensland’s advanced manufacturing and defence industry capability, as well as significant opportunities for local SMEs and associated services.

“It will also open the way for these companies to participate in Rheinmetall’s global supply chains.”

Rheinmetall’s Australia-New Zealand Headquarters and Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence will be a regional hub with an expected program of continuous design, build and support for up to 5000 military vehicles in Australia and the Asia Pacific.

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 his department, which will assist with the construction of the facility, will now work with Ipswich City Council to progress the development application for the project.

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039