8 minute read
Next Milestones in Australia's F-35 Program
The first F-35A aircraft has been inducted into BAE Systems Australia’s (BAESA) maintenance depot as part of the next major milestone in the Joint Strike Fighter Program.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the F-35A fleet was now 33 strong and ready to deploy on operations.
Advertisement
“This is about protecting and securing Australia’s interests but it’s also creating jobs and driving investment right here in the Hunter and across the country too,” the Prime Minister said.
“This induction demonstrates the world leading capability of our local defence industry here in Australia.
“We want to give as many opportunities to Australian companies as possible which is why there’s already more than 50 local companies sharing in $2.7 billion worth of contracts as part of the F-35 Program.
“As we recover from the COVID recession a key plank of our Economic Recovery Plan is our $270 billion investment in Defence capability over the next decade and our $65 billion commitment in air capabilities which includes the Joint Strike Fighter Program. This investment is keeping Australians safe and secure while creating more jobs and more opportunities for businesses.”
After being selected as the maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade depot for the Southeast Asia region, the BAESA facility will host Australian F-35A aircraft and in future other nations’ F-35 aircraft.
The Program is progressing on budget and on schedule and the aircraft is undergoing routine structural modifications to improve the airframe, ensuring it reaches full life, and align it with newer aircraft.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds CSC said up to four Australian F-35A aircraft were expected to undergo routine maintenance at BAESA’s facility this year, demonstrating the significant boost the Program was having on the local Hunter economy.
“The Morrison Government is unashamedly committed to building a robust sovereign defence industry,” Minister Reynolds said.
“We are building our sovereign defence capabilities. We now have 41 fully trained RAAF pilots, nine of whom trained on home soil at RAAF Base Williamtown. We also have more than 225 trained technicians as the RAAF’s F-35A maintenance capability continues to develop.”
This progress is being supported through the sovereign Training Support Services contract awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia, worth approximately $70 million. It will see more than 70 personnel employed at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal.
“This demonstrates the extraordinary opportunities this program is providing for Australians and the economy, especially as it continues to bounce back from COVID-19,” Minister Reynolds said.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the program had helped the people of the Hunter region weather the impact of the economic impact of the pandemic.
“In 2020, job losses in the aeronautics industry due to COVID-19 resulted in the closure of Jetstar’s aircraft maintenance facility here in Newcastle, and many other regional facilities,” Minister Price said.
“BAESA recently hired 25 former Jetstar employees who had been made redundant as a result of the pandemic.
“Not only have these technical workers been retained in the local Hunter aviation industry, but they will also help Defence build its sovereign sustainment capability as the fleet continues to grow.”
F-35A Lightning II aircraft from No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit and No. 3 Squadron break formation during a flight Newcastle coast, NSW. Defence image.
Townsville’s stunning new residential destination, Elliot Springs, is experiencing exciting growth with community milestones reached in 2020 including the launch of its Whites Creek address plus the opening of the central café and garden nursery. And there’s plenty more to come in 2021.
Located just 15 minutes from Lavarack Barracks, Elliot Springs is Townsville’s largest master planned community and ideal for first home buyers, families and investors alike. Murray Sports Complex and Fairfield Central are just a short drive away.
Elliot Springs is the perfect place to come home to after a busy day on the base and the perfect place for you and your family to live, with plenty of opportunities to grow and make lifelong friends.
As the master plan comes to life, the community will offer residents the opportunity for an active, outdoor lifestyle where you can walk children to school, cycle to the shops, or spend time with friends and family in the park or at Bindal Ridge.
With more green spaces, 360-degree mountain views, big backyards and a diverse choice of homes at affordable prices, Elliot Springs is set to become one of region’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Whether you’re dreaming of easy, open plan living, a large family home or a low maintenance block near parkland, this community has a site to suit. Buyers can choose to custom build or select one of the many house and land packages available. Housing guidelines offer ideas to make the most of building for the Townsville climate and lifestyle.
More than one third of Elliot Springs will be open space with an expansive network of playgrounds, landscaped parks, sporting fields, bushland corridors and native habitat sanctuaries linked together by walking and cycling paths.
Located on the city side of Billabong Sanctuary just moments from Alligator Creek, Elliot Springs sits cradled between the Muntalunga Range to the east, Mount Jack to the west and The Sisters Mountains to the south, with panoramic views to Mount Stuart and Mount Elliot beyond.
Award-winning Wadda Mooli Park is the community’s first district park and a major drawcard for families. The allabilities playground that’s been designed as a destination for Townsville, offers a wide range of activities, equipment and obstacles to ensure children never get bored of climbing, riding or swinging.
Within the park you can also take an exercise class, kids can join the soccer club, enjoy mountain bike and walking trails or you can sit at The Hub café perfectly positioned within the park to provide a place to relax with family and friends.
With up to six schools planned, including two high schools, plus childcare centres and community business facilities, learning will be open to all ages.
Construction has commenced on the first service station at Elliot Springs with food outlet and small retail offering, plus the at the entry to Elliot Springs you’ll find a Visitors Information Centre for Townsville Enterprise Tourism.
Visit the display village at Elliot Springs for plenty of home inspiration and to talk to the builders about designing and building your new home. Explore thirteen homes from twelve of Townsville’s best builders in one great location; the inspiration for design, layout and styling is endless.
Current record low interest rates, plus government incentives, mean it’s never been a better time to buy and build a new home at Elliot Springs.
Speak to Meryl at the Elliot Springs Sales and Information Centre, 28 Vista Place, Julago. Call 1800 881 091 or visit elliotsprings.com.au or follow us at facebook.com/ elliotspringstownsville.
McMahon Services Australia (NT) Pty Ltd is a privately owned, industry-leading environmental, infrastructure and building services provider. Territory Proud for over 20 years, we have contributed to the Northern Territory region through our commitment to 100% local employment and active community engagement.
Integrated Construction Services
Established in 1990 by brothers David and Andrew McMahon, McMahon Services has proudly grown into a national award winning contractor. With offices and workshops across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, we employ over 750 staff delivering projects in capital cities, rural townships, isolated islands and remote outback locations. McMahon Services Australia (NT) Pty Ltd has operated in the Northern Territory as a separate entity since 1997, with the office being established in Darwin in 2004. Growth of the NT business enabled the establishment of regional offices in Alice Springs and Katherine. Our office facilities include mechanical workshops, warehouse and storage facilities, accommodation blocks and laydown yards. We employ 100% Territory based staff with over 50 local personnel across our three offices, enabling us to service commercial, residential, industrial, transport, utilities, Government, Defence hazmat and resource clients. We have the capability to resource projects of all sizes with the backing of a national business, direct staff and an $80
www.mcmservices.com.au
million network of modern, company-owned plant and equipment. In 2009, McMahon Services became Federal Safety Accredited - the first multi-disciplinary construction services company in Australia to receive this recognition. We are experienced Defence contractors with demonstrated successful project delivery in capital works, operational capability projects, as well as ongoing maintenance and repair services across all Northern Territory Defence bases, training ranges and other facilities. Our qualified and experienced project and construction management teams provide integrated multi-disciplinary project solutions, dedicated to excellence in delivery across multiple disciplines, including: • Commercial and industrial building construction and fit-out • Defence infrastructure projects and maintenance • Asbestos removal and hazardous materials management • Remote community construction and services • High-risk and high-rise demolition and decommissioning • Bulk and detailed earthworks • Civil and road construction • Environmental remediation • Industrial services • Mining and non-process infrastructure construction
McMahon Services NT acknowledges our Indigenous business partners Intract Australia. Together, we acknowledge that we work on the traditional lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We recognise ongoing connection to land, waters and communities in all regions. We commit to ensuring that the land is treated respectfully and that the involvement of the local community is fundamental to our work.
