The Morrison Government will invest in new and upgraded facilities at HMAS Cairns – a significant boost to the North Queensland economy. This $155 million investment will support the new Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels as part of the government’s unprecedented investment in the defence of our nation. Defence has engaged Watpac Construction Pty Ltd…
Veterans and their families, ex-service organisations, states and territories, peak bodies and other interested stakeholders are being encouraged to provide their input for the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide announced this week. Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said it was vital Cairns and Far North Queensland residents involved…
Two Far North Queensland businesses will build seven new watercrafts as part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to strengthening the Australian Army’s amphibious capability. The vessels, which will be built in Cairns, will assist Army amphibious operations and support systems. Tropical Reef Shipyards and BME NQ will manufacture the 7.5 metre vessels, and provide spares…
The Morrison Government has awarded TAFE Queensland a $36 million contract to provide mariner training and support to the Navy crews of the Guardian-class Patrol Boats. The funding is being delivered as part of the Morrison Government’s $2 billion Pacific Maritime Security Program to strengthen maritime capability in the Pacific. Acting Minister for Defence Marise…
Applications for the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program are now open with Cairns and Far North Queensland organisations encouraged to apply for funding to support their commemorative projects and activities. Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the program was now entering its 25th year and had already supported thousands of projects nationally including in…
Australian Defence Force families who have provided essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic today received a funding boost under the government’s Family Support Funding Program. Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said Little Diggers Community Centre would receive $8500 under the program which enables defence families to connect and interact with each other and the community…
Local manufacturers in Cairns and Far North Queensland with shovel-ready projects to increase their productivity and grow jobs are being encouraged to apply for a Manufacturing Modernisation Fund) grant. Businesses will be able to apply for between $100,000 and $1 million to invest in new technology, as the Morrison Government continues to support the post-COVID-19…
Cairns will be home to Defence’s first Regional Maintenance Centre which will deliver a new, innovative approach to the sustainment of Navy’s fleet of vessels. The centre is one of four that are being established across Australia, boosting defence industry while ensuring the delivery of complex naval capability. Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said Cairns…
Mr ENTSCH: It gives me pleasure to pay tribute to Cairns businessman Justin Parer, managing director of BSE Maritime Solutions. Mr Parer’s name has been synonymous with Cairns’ marine industry for more than two decades now. Justin built BSE Maritime Solutions up to be one of our city’s biggest shipyards and a maritime maintenance powerhouse.…
The Morrison Government will acquire an Australian made 12.5 metre regional support craft to boost border protection in Far North Queensland. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds CSC said the regional support craft, which will be located at Thursday Island, will also provide marine support to whole of government operations. “The craft will be operated by Army’s…