Townsville business leader and former Army officer, Mick Reilly, has been appointed as the dedicated Australian-Singapore Military Training Initiative business and community liaison.
Defence Minister, Marise Payne, said the Business and Community Liaison will lead local engagement for the Initiative on behalf of Defence, keeping community leaders and local elected representatives informed.
She said Mr Reilly had lived in north Queensland for the past 20 years and had extensive links with the local business community.
“Mr Reilly will ensure Defence is actively addressing the needs of stakeholders in the central and north Queensland regions as planning and implementation of the initiative continues,” Minister Payne said.
“It is important local communities benefit from this important initiative for Australia, and Mr Reilly’s business acumen, combined with his knowledge of the region will ensure local views are objectively represented to Defence.”
Ms Payne said the government was committed to supporting local business to participate strongly in the development associated with and ongoing activities of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative.
“There will be significant economic opportunities in both central and north Queensland as a result of this initiative,” she said.
“These opportunities will include the construction of facilities and infrastructure on training areas, as well as ongoing support for the increased military presence.”
The Business and Community Liaison will be working with communities in the Rockhampton, Livingstone Shire areas, Charters Towers, and Townsville.
“I welcome Mr Reilly’s appointment and look forward to his insights on how best we can maximise the opportunities the initiative presents for local communities,” Minister Payne said.
The role is described as complementing the existing dedicated Defence presence on the ground in Queensland, supporting the Initiative.
Charters Towers mayor Liz Schmidt was unable to be reached for comment.
John Brownson, one of the members of the Charters Towers steering committee formed last December when the Defence department announced it was forcibly acquiring land in that region and beside the Shoalwater Bay military training area in central Queensland, said this week he was not sure how to take the announcement.
“It’s somebody to talk to, and it seems like they’ve got something in mind, but I hope it’s not here again,” he said.
After an intense campaign, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pledged in early February that no landholder would be ‘forced’ to sell their property to the Defence department.
This week’s announcement emphasised that Defence representatives have continued to visit landowners, businesses, community groups, local representatives and elected officials as part of Defence’s commitment to placing a priority on the views of the community.
“The delivery of enhanced training areas in central and north Queensland for the growth and development of the Australian Defence Force, and to provide support to Australia’s bilateral defence relationship with Singapore is part of the government’s commitment to creating strong and enduring economic opportunities for local communities and businesses,” Minister Marise Payne said.
The Business and Community Liaison can be contacted at: ASMTI.local@defence.gov.au
