Infrastructure completed under Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative

The development of a new military training area in North Queensland has reached a significant milestone with the first piece of infrastructure completed.

The $5.4 million explosive ordnance storage Earth Covered Building (ECB) at Mt Stuart in Townsville was funded by Singapore under the $2.25 billion Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI).

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the Singapore Armed Forces will now have access to explosive ordnance storage when they train in Australia.

“This project is a significant milestone for the ASMTI, and coincides with the start of early construction work on the new training area near Greenvale in North Queensland,” Minister Reynolds said.

“The ASMTI will deliver advanced military training areas in Central and North Queensland while meeting the future needs of the Australian Defence Force.

“Completion of this facility highlights the strong bilateral Defence relationship between Australia and Singapore being fostered through the delivery of these advanced military training areas.”

Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson OAM, MP said the completion of the ECB was a boost to the local economy.

“It’s fantastic to see 17 companies from the Townsville region provided essential services to support construction of the ECB, including concrete supply, concrete reinforcement, waterproofing, electrical and communications works, fire protection, structural steel, civil works, security, site accommodation, mechanical works, painting and rendering,” Mr Thompson said.

“This milestone highlights the progress of the ASMTI in North Queensland and demonstrates our Government’s commitment to local industry in the region.”

Defence will hold information sessions in the Charters Towers and Townsville regions as part of the next release of work packages in North Queensland.

To learn more about the ASMTI or to get involved, visit www.defence.gov.au/Initiatives/ASMTI/

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