Ipswich wins massive $5 billion defence contract

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Tuesday the 13th of March announced the massive Land 400 armoured vehicle deal with Rheinmetall Defence Australia.

Rheinmetall will set up at military vehicle centre of excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank to build 211 combat reconnaissance vehicles, known as the Boxer CRV, for the Australian Army.

Mayor Andrew Antoniolli said the $5 billion Defence contract was significant boost for Ipswich as it would create more than 330 permanent jobs from the outset, significant opportunities for locals businesses and associated work with ongoing delivery and maintenance of the vehicles.

“This is huge for Ipswich, make no mistake. This means jobs for the next 30 to 40 years, for the life of the contract,” he said.

“The Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence, where the state-of-the-art combat vehicles will be built, will further contribute to training, testing and up-skilling towards a highly skilled manufacturing workforce for the region.”

Economic Development and Digital City Committee chair Cr Paul Tully said the announcement from Mr Turnbull was another feather in the cap for Ipswich in terms of jobs creation in the city.

“We have well and truly turned the corner with so many positive signs that Ipswich is on the rise. We have a jobs boom, a building and investment boom, and growth right across the entire region,” Cr Tully said.

“Ipswich has been able to announce the arrival of US retail giant Costco, with its huge warehouse in Bundamba bringing 330 full and part-time jobs; a $120 million expansion to Ipswich Hospital; and the commencement of work on the once-in-a-generation redevelopment of Ipswich Central.”

Defence directly contributed to more than 7000 jobs and almost $800 million to the Ipswich economy in 2016-17.

Council’s Office of Economic Development will continue to collaborate with Rheinmetall on ensuring supply chain opportunities for Ipswich businesses.

For more information, please contact the Office of Economic Development on (07) 3810 6938 or business@ipswich.qld.gov.au