The Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett today announced that the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) land deal has been completed and is one step closer to establishing a new training area in North Queensland. Defence has formally exchanged contracts with willing sellers to acquire sufficient land to establish a new military training area near Greenvale, approximately 220 kilometres northwest of Townsville.
This announcement is a great outcome for our region and ensures the initiative's significant economic opportunities for local industries are one step closer to being realised. (Click here for Senator Fawcett's announcement)
Under the initiative, Singapore will invest $2 billion to acquire, design, develop and construct military training areas through expanding the existing Shoalwater Bay Training Area and establishing a new training area in North Queensland. When the initiative reaches maturity, up to 14,000 Singapore Armed Forces personnel will conduct training in Central and North Queensland over 18 weeks a year for 25 years.
This investment will act as a catalyst to explore broader opportunities between Townsville and Singapore in other sectors, including agriculture, education, tourism and health, as well as enhance Defence’s bilateral relationship with Singapore.
Townsville Enterprise and our key partners have been actively advocating for an agreement to be reached and with strong leadership from local industry leaders and Defence representatives, the region is now well positioned to progress the next steps of the initiative.
We acknowledge the significant commitment demonstrated by the Department of Defence throughout this process, and we look forward to continue working closely with the Department to maximise the opportunities for our region from this unprecedented partnership with Singapore.
