Queensland to benefit from major Defence project

20 August 2018

Queensland to benefit from major Defence project
The Coalition Government has signed a contract with Rheinmetall for the delivery of 211 armoured combat reconnaissance vehicles, which will create hundreds of new jobs in Queensland. 

 These world class vehicles will be built by Australian workers, using Australian steel and will provide vital mobility, defence and protection capability for the Australian Army. 

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, welcomed the contract signing for the acquisition of the Rheinmetall Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle.

“With the contract now signed, the largest acquisition project in the history of the Australian Army can progress with the first vehicles expected to be available for training in 2020,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Coalition Government is investing in Queensland’s defence industry capability, with companies negotiating for a share of the Land 400 contract.  Over $1.5 billion is being spent in Queensland, creating over 330 jobs over the 30 year life of the vehicles.

“The armoured vehicle replacement program is a nation-building project, producing high-tech, highly-skilled jobs for the future,” Mr O’Brien said.

“These vehicles will equip Australian soldiers with the best possible technology to completing their missions and return home safe to their families.”

Fitted with modern sensors and communications equipment, their role is to locate, monitor and engage with enemy forces and provide security to our forces.

The new vehicles will be used at facilities in Puckapunyal, Bandiana, Adelaide, Townsville and Enoggera.  

For more information, visit www.defence.gov.au/casg/equippingdefence/land400
ENDS