‘Pertinent threats’: Why new factory is important part of nation’s future

Touring the $60million Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has stressed the importance of the nation having the capacity to supply its own defence force.

Touring the $60million munitions factory in Maryborough on Tuesday Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce stressed the importance of the nation having the capacity to supply its own defence force against “pertinent threats”.

It comes as the Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions artillery shell forging plant on marks another milestone with construction completed.

The factory, located at the Moonaboola Industrial Estate, will use state-of-the-art equipment, including a 1200-tonne hot forging press, to produce the world’s most technically advanced 155mm calibre projectiles for the Australian Defence Force as well as export markets.

Mr Joyce said there was no point beating around the bush when he addressed issues surrounding the nation’s security at the walk through.

“We see the geopolitical circumstances of our part of the globe,” he said.

“Once upon a time it was the geopolitical circumstances of Europe, now it’s the geopolitical circumstances of our areas.

“I absolutely believe in the liberties and freedoms that come from a democratic nation, the capacity of people to express their views no matter what they may be.”

But the only way to keep that democracy was to “be strong,” Mr Joyce said.

“Strength itself is a deterrent and that’s what we must be.”

Agriculture, manufacturing and understanding fuel security were key to Australia’s future, he said.

“And obviously to have a defence capacity that will never be the size of pertinent threats, but will have the proficiency and the expertise and the excellence to be not worth the fight.”

Mr Joyce praised Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien, who was unable to be at the walk through as he continues to recover from his injuries after a motorbike crash.

Mr O’Brien suffered a fractured skull at Lakeside Park Raceway at Kurwongbah north of Brisbane on July 17.

Australian company BADGE Constructions led the building phase for the $60m project which has had multi-level government backing with a $28.5m injection from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund on top of $7.5m from the Queensland Government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Fund.

“We began work in Canberra three years ago on bringing this project to Maryborough, so today our region can share in RNM’s pride to finally see the concept become a reality,” Mr O’Brien said

“The Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions plant heralds a new chapter for a region that has a strong industrial heritage, creating 100 ongoing jobs and potentially adding more than $100 million in economic output to the Australian economy, including $36 million within the Wide Bay area alone.

“This shows how the Federal Government’s investment in industry is helping to create local jobs and firmly puts Maryborough on the defence industry map, creating a better future for our region.”

Mr Joyce said the project had delivered immediate and long-term jobs for the region.

“The is a shining example of the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund doing its job. Boosting confidence, inspiring innovation and creating jobs that strengthen regional communities,” he said.

More than 590 site inductions for workers were undertaken during the construction phase with just over 60 contracts placed for goods and services. The Wide Bay region and Southeast Queensland were the big winners with 55 contracts accounting for 98 per cent of the project spend.

The administration office and entry foyer to the 7000sqm facility was constructed using locally grown timber from Maryborough-based Hyne Timber.

When fully operational in 2022 the plant will have the capacity to produce 30,000 shell cases per year with a workforce of up to 100 from line supervisors, skilled operators, maintenance staff, labourers and apprentices.

NIOA CEO and Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Deputy Chairman Robert Nioa said the factory would bolster the local economy while delivering true sovereign industrial capability.

Australia currently imports artillery shell cases from overseas for use by the Army in both training and combat.
“From concept to completion, it’s been two years, so it is very exciting to see the end result. It is a magnificent-looking building, and we can all be proud of this,” Mr Nioa said.

“RNM is committed to playing a key role as regional economies recover from the pandemic while producing the best equipment for the ADF and supporting government at all levels in their endeavours to create new domestic manufacturing opportunities in the defence sector.”