The Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) is an opportunity for Australia to build Defence capability and enhance its bilateral relationship with Singapore, while providing enduring economic benefits to North Queensland.
A ‘Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Military Training and Training Area Development in Australia’ was signed in October 2016 which will be in effect for 25 years.
It is estimated that $2.25B will be invested in the Townsville and Rockhampton regions from 2016 to 2026. This investment will deliver advanced military training areas that benefit the Australian Defence Force, provide significant local economic opportunities and strengthen Australia’s Defence relationship with Singapore.
This project is being run by the Australian Department of Defence, who are committed to maximising opportunities for North Queensland industry to participate in the supply chain across a range od work areas including, construction and technical support.
This capital infrastructure will provide significant opportunities to local suppliers and contractors. Townsville Enterprise has been instrumental in establishing the Singapore Economic Development Advisory Committee (SEDAC) to ensure Townsville receives the greatest benefit from the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
Townsville Enterprise would also like to emphasise the importance of this partnership in developing the future economy of the region. As conscripted Singaporean soldiers are the future business leaders and traders of the nation state, their presence in Townsville means that the Townsville community and business owners must take a strategic approach and position themselves as offering attractive investment opportunities.