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The Queensland Government has awarded a $3 million grant to Aviation Australia for a defence aviation training facility in Townsville.
The Townsville Aviation Centre of Excellence (TACE) is billed as a “leading training facility for the next generation of defence aviation maintenance engineers” with simulation equipment such as Aircraft Maintenance Trainers and Virtual Maintenance Trainers, as well as other advanced system trainers.
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“The establishment of TACE will bolster Townsville’s position as a nationally significant defence aviation hub, delivering the hands-on training needed to support Australian Defence Force aviation operations across North Queensland into the future,” the state government said in a press release.
Aviation Australia CEO Glenn Ryan said the TACE will combine Aviation Australia’s “industry-leading expertise with advanced simulation and virtual training technologies”.
“This investment will help grow Queensland’s skilled workforce and ensure Australia continues to develop world-leading aviation professionals for the future needs of defence and the aviation industry,” he said.
“Townsville is a strategic aviation and defence hub, and the Townsville Aviation Training Academy is uniquely positioned to support workforce growth through enhanced hands-on training that accelerates skills acquisition and builds capability for defence aviation maintenance engineers.”
The grant is part of the Queensland Government’s $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF).
According to Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie, the fund is “focused on delivery and backing investment-ready projects that would deliver real sovereign capability, support jobs and long-term economic value for Queenslanders”.
“This investment will increase Townsville-based sovereign capabilities in aviation maintenance engineering, including skills needed to maintain locally based Australian Defence Force aircraft,” he said.
“After a decade of decline and Labor’s scattergun approach to industry development, we are ensuring government investment is flowing to projects that are ready to proceed and capable of delivering tangible outcomes across the State.
“Queensland has a critical role in supporting Australia’s defence capability, and this funding will support skilled employment, regional supply chains and sustainment needed to deliver that capability now and into the future.”
Townsville is a major military centre in North Queensland, with RAAF Base Townsville and the Army’s Lavarack Barracks both located in the city. Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the investment will “strengthen Townsville’s position as a leading defence and aviation training centre”.
“Townsville has long been at the forefront of supporting Australia’s defence capability, and this investment will help ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to meet future demand, with the Townsville Aviation Centre of Excellence creating new opportunities for local workers, reinforcing our city’s reputation as a national defence aviation hub,” he said.
The state government last week also launched Defence Q, which it describes as “a specialised group that will further position Queensland at the forefront of Australia’s growing defence sector”.
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