Local businesses to benefit from
Naval Shipbuilding Industry Briefings
Today Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey announced there will be a Naval Shipbuilding briefing for industry to be held in Whyalla on Thursday May 4.
“The briefing will give people in the region the chance to learn more about the economic opportunities that will come from the Government’s $89 billion national shipbuilding endeavour, which will see Australia develop a strong and sustainable naval ship building industry,” Mr Ramsey said.
“The briefing will focus on the next generation of naval surface ships; specifically the Future Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessels, which represent a $ 39 billion investment by the Australian Government.
“The Future Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessel programs will directly create more than 2500 jobs for Australians and indirectly support the jobs of many thousands more.
“Where possible and practical, Australian companies should be in a position to benefit from the economic advantages of a thriving domestic defence industry.”
Mr Ramsey said briefings like the one being held in Whyalla were critical for providing opportunities for local companies to enter the supply chain.
“I encourage our local industry to come along to the briefing-particularly those in maritime, manufacturing and construction sectors,” he said.
“This briefing is for the whole electorate and it is important enterprises from Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and right across Grey utilise this opportunity.”
Industry will be provided high level updates on the two shipbuilding programs and how they can get involved by registering with the newly-launched Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC). Almost 400 businesses have already registered for Naval shipbuilding updates through CDIC’s portal.
“For those new to Defence, there will also be a workshop for small and medium enterprises in Whyalla to learn more about doing business with the Department of Defence,” Mr Ramsey said.
The Future Frigate program will replace eight ANZAC class ships with nine future frigates, while the Offshore Patrol Vessel program is replacing thirteen Armidale Class Patrol Boats with twelve Offshore Patrol Vessels.
The Offshore Patrol Vessels are due to begin construction Adelaide in 2018 and will move production to Henderson, WA in 2020. The Future Frigate program is slated to begin construction in 2020 in Adelaide.
Further information:
To attend one of these briefing please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/department-of-defence-11842283748
Future Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessel programs: http://www.defence.gov.au/casg/EquippingDefence/SEA5000PH1_FutureFrigates
Centre for Defence Industry Capability’s services:
http://www.business.gov.au/cdic
Media contact
Rowan Ramsey’s office: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
