Townsville businesses primed to win defence contracts

Forty-five defence and aerospace manufacturing businesses in Queensland, will share in more than $515,000 to grow their capability and become internationally competitive.

In Townsville, 13 small-to-medium businesses have received a collective $130,000 in funding thanks to round two of the Palaszczuk Government’s $1.5 million Defence and Aerospace Industry Development Fund.

In Townsville today, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the grants would help small-to-medium enterprises gain the globally recognised certifications needed to secure international defence and aerospace contracts.

“We want to develop our defence advance manufacturing sector in Queensland to create local jobs as part of our state’s economic recovery,” Mr Miles said.

“These grants help increase participation of Queensland businesses in the defence supply chain and ensure they have the resources they need to enter the market.

“Each business can receive up to $30,000 in matched funding to upgrade their management systems to meet the international requirements for defence industries.”

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said defence industries provided far-reaching benefits for Queensland, especially in Townsville.

“Townsville hosts all three branches of the Australian Defence Force and their defence community is nearly 10 per cent of the city’s population,” Mr Walker said.

“These companies can leverage this heavy defence presence and bring in major defence contracts, meaning more jobs for Townsville and the surrounding regions.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said more than 40 per cent of Australian Army personnel and their vehicles were based in Queensland, many in Townsville, and the state was in a prime position to leverage this.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to growing the defence industries sector and making sure Queensland is the front line for Australia’s defence industries,” Mr Harper said.

“There are great opportunities for local businesses to work in the defence industry which is why these grants are so important.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said there was more than 45 businesses across Queensland, including 13 in Townsville, sharing in more than $515,000 of Round 2 funding.

“The Palaszczuk Government has more than doubled the number of businesses we’re supporting and total funding value, reflecting how the demand from industry is growing,” Mr Stewart said.

“This round has also included a focus on encouraging Queensland Indigenous businesses to apply, and I’m thrilled to see eight businesses awarded funding.”

Local Townsville business specialising in military and tactical gear, Krieger Industries, has secured more than $16,000 to upgrade its quality management systems to demonstrate how it can provide products and services meeting international requirements.

Krieger Industries Director Stewart Locke said the funding would help the business expand.

“Our business has been growing since 2019, and this year we moved to a larger venue and are ready to keep the momentum going,” Mr Locke said.

“These grants are perfect for helping our business level up and compete for more international contracts.”

North Queensland based company Brazier Motti received $26,237 to install an information security management system that will provide a framework of policies and procedures to better manage their information risk.

Brazier Motti Director Raneir Melick said the grant would enable the company to continue upgrading its systems and compete more strongly on a global market.

“This is our second time receiving funding under this program and we have since been able to grow our capability and provide security for our workforce,” Mr Melick said.

Another local Townville business, Raydar, secured $2,100 in funding to also upgrade its quality management systems.

Managing Director, Jason Dunn from Raydar, said that their company had been working on defence building projects in Townsville over the last few years, including works completed at the Lavarack barracks and the Royal Australian Air Force base.

“With the amount of building works coming up on these sites, we are excited to start gaining the certifications needed to secure more of these defence building contracts,” Mr Dunn said.

Companies receiving funding are all established operators specialising in services including metal fabrication, electrical and cooling systems, factory automation, engineering and construction.

For more information and details on the recipients go to Defence and Aerospace Industry Development Fund.

This funding program forms part of the Queensland Jobs Fund—supporting companies with projects that have the potential to deliver ongoing economic benefits for Queensland.

ENDS

Media contact:         

Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903 (Deputy Premier)

Chris Lees – 0434 859 940 (Minister Stewart)