Townsville Mayor welcomes Greenvale military announcement
Date published: 1 March 2019
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed an expected boost to the economy, with the Department of Defence confirming it will establish a training area near Greenvale.
The Department has settled with property owners at Greenvale as part of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative.
Singapore is investing $2.25 billion to create the Greenvale site and expand the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in central Queensland.
Greenvale is about 250 kilometres north-west of Townsville.
Cr Hill said it is great news for the region.
“The Defence Department has told us Singapore will inject around $1 billion into the Townsville region during the Initiative,” Cr Hill said.
“The training area will have a big impact on families and businesses – it will provide significant economic opportunities in Townsville.
“Townsville is a proud garrison city and this project will only enhance the reputation of our region internationally.
“Lavarack Barracks and RAAF Base Townsville are well known globally and I’m sure Greenvale will join them as the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative grows.”
As a result of the deal, thousands of Singaporean soldiers will train in north Queensland for a set period each year over 25 years.
The Federal Government announcement comes after the State Government committed $5 million last year for a Townsville defence hub.
