Future Cairns: HMAS Cairns, Australia’s gateway to Pacific, offers defence and allied navy vessels, access and maintenance
HMAS Cairns is poised to polish its status as Australia’s Pacific gateway as the country pumps $270bn into Defence over the next decade. Read why Cairns will take a share of the funds.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
OFFERING a strategic safe port, the HMAS Cairns is considered a critical place to reload, refuel and share intelligence and skills by Australia’s home fleet and allies.
As the home port to one Armidale class patrol boat, two Cape class patrol boats, two Leeuwin class Hydrographic Survey Ships and two Paluma class Survey Motor Launches, the city also has a crucial role with the Cairns Regional Maintenance Centre.
HMAS Cairns’ value was appreciated when the US Coast Guard Forces (USCGF) cutter Oliver Henry made its inaugural visit earlier this month.
For USCGF Deputy Director Public Affairs, Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir, who is based 3346km away in Guam, having access to HMAS Cairns facilities was important to their Oceania operations.
CWO Muir said being able to rely on a modern and efficient maritime infrastructure and logistics facility like HMAS Cairns had proven important.
“There’s a lot happening in this region,” she said.
“So having additional ports of call and access to the services such as HMAS Cairns has been exceptional and makes increased planning and operations with our Australian partners, our Aussie mates, that much easier.”
CWO Muir said HMAS Cairns “have been exceptional and there is a strong potential for increased operations with our Australian partners”.
In May Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm revealed Cairns’ part in Plan Galileo which involved a continuous sustainment so the Royal Australian Navy’s growing fleet was available where and when needed.
“Our first RMC is now operational in Cairns,” she said.
“Our first regional maintenance provider, NORSTA Maritime, already well integrated with our Defence people in the region.”
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Cairns’ place in Australia’s defence could not be underestimated.
“Cairns makes a vital contribution to Australia’s national security and this will continue long into the future,” he said.
“Australia is investing $270 billion in Defence over 10 years, presenting opportunities for defence industry around the country, including in Cairns.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Future Cairns: HMAS Cairns, Australia’s gateway to Pacific, offers defence and allied navy vessels, access and maintenance
Person rushed to hospital following Tablelands car crash
A regional road has reopened to traffic and a person has been taken to hospital following a two-vehicle crash in the Tablelands on Tuesday morning.
Lobby group pushes LNP for pledge on big ticket project
Advance Cairns has called on the LNP to commit to building a $45m common user hangar, if the party is swept into power this month, declaring that further investment in the Far North’s aviation industry is vital to growing the region’s economy.