Army set for ‘reshape’ northern bases as Australia looks for better defence
The army is headed towards a ‘reshape’ as the Australian Government beefs us northern military bases, prioritising the air force and cutting IFV spending.
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Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks and RAAF base are in for a billion dollar upgrade as the Australian Government seeks to extend it’s reach in Asia-Pacific.
On Thursday Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles flew into Townsville to announce the army was being “reshaped” to have a longer range strike.
This comes as the Defence Strategic Review confirms that the Apache helicopters will be based out of Townsville and it is revealed how they will change operations in the region.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy when that happened, Boeing would be serving both the Apaches and Chinooks.
“This will become an army aviation centre of excellence in Townsville which means good paying, secure jobs,” Mr Conroy said.
“That’s just one example … the Defence industry of Townsville can expect more orders and more support.”
Mr Marles said he expected the Boeing Apaches to arrive in Townsville in the “next couple of years”.
“Basically, as soon as we get them,” he said.
The first part of this reshaping northern bases involves a $3.8bn spend over the next four years.
“This really is a down-payment on growth in the future,” Mr Marles said.
“The defence strategic review shows our national interest lies well beyond our shores. A adversary seeking to do us harm can do a whole lot of harm to Australia without ever setting foot here.”
Mr Marles said the northern military bases have become the main focus of the Defence Force going forward.
Of the $3.8bn in defence spending, $2bn is solely for air bases upgrade while an unknown amount is for Lavarack Barrack refurbishments.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said the reshaping means Lavarack Barracks-based 3RAR battalion was facing “uncertainty” because of a cut to the number of future Infantry Fighting Vehicles from 450 down to 129.
“Soldiers at 3RAR are telling me they’re seriously worried about their future after finding out about the cuts in the media on Monday,” Mr Thompson said.
“The Deputy Prime Minister and part-time Defence Minister can only manage a flying visit for a 3pm press conference about building upgrades.”
Mr Marles said there would be changes ahead following the review, but added that Townsville would see a growth in defence force personnel.
“Townsville is front and centre in terms of how the government views the future of the defence force in this country,” he said.
“We are seeking to reshape the army to make it a much more nimble with a longer range strike … There are difficult decisions we’ve needed to make, but coming with that is a whole lot of opportunities for those serving in 3RAR.”
Mr Marles said the reshaping was “completely central” to making Australia a more “self-reliant country”.
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