Maryborough hosts latest heavyweight Boxer

Queensland’s other star boxer rolls into the Wide Bay today: the 35-tonne armoured vehicle that could bring contracts and jobs to the region if its manufacturer wins a $5 billion defence contract.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham joined Maryborough businesses, students and community members for the Rheinmetall team’s briefing to local businesses wanting to join the company’s supply chain.

“Rheinmetall is touring the state to build a supply chain of companies for its bid to win the Australian Army’s $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 contract,” Dr Lynham said.

“Rheinmetall has committed to design, manufacture and maintain 225 Boxers in Queensland if it wins the LAND 400 contract.

“That could generate 450 long-term jobs and pump more than $1 billion into the state’s economy over the next 10 years.”

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the Rheinmetall deal offered business opportunities and jobs for companies like Maryborough’s Global Manufacturing and the other businesses at today’s briefing at the Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre.

“Maryborough steel fabrication and laser cutting company Global Manufacturing Group is a confirmed supplier to Rheinmetall for the potential LAND 400 contract,” he said.

“This is not just about the Land 400 contract: this is about the opportunity to become part of a global supply chain and crack into the booming global defence industry.

“We’re talking about advanced manufacturing jobs of the future for our young people.”

Dr Lynham said Global was one of several highly capable and innovative Queensland companies who were already deeply involved in global defence.

“I urge other Queensland companies to use the opportunity to find out how to be a part of the supply chain when Rheinmetall and the Boxer visit your region, “ he said.

“The powerful combination of Rheinmetall’s vehicle, the outstanding level of protection and survivability it provides to our soldiers, and all the benefits of a Queensland manufacturing location, are almost enough to rename the project QueensLAND 400.

“It has been fantastic to see the momentum that is building in support of this defence project and the possibility of having such a high-tech manufacturing facility here in the state building a vehicle like the Boxer.

“I urge Queenslanders to support the bid to win this game-changing project.”

The Boxer will be in Rockhampton on 14 September, Townsville on 25 September, Cairns on 28 September, Mackay on 29 September and the Gold Coast on 3 October.

For more information visit www.defenceindustries.qld.gov.au/LAND400

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Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 314