Australia’s East Coast — in particular the Hunter Region’s shipbuilding and manufacturing industries — can expect a boost if ADI’s bid for the $2 billion Amphibious Ships (LHD) project is successful said Vice President Thales Naval Australia and ADI’s Director of Naval, Ali Baghaei.
Reflecting the Federal Government’s commitment to building defence capability in Australia, ADI and its teaming partners ARMARIS, DCN and FORGACS are actively supporting growth opportunities in the Hunter Region through their bid for the project.
The ADI-led consortium, which includes Newcastle based company FORGACS, proposes to undertake ship construction on Australia’s east coast, with a substantial portion of work planned for Newcastle, an initiative strongly supported by the New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma.
The project would draw on local industry’s skills and experience, developed through several defence shipbuilding projects such as ADI’s highly successful $1 billion Minehunter Coastal project and the more recently completed amphibious watercraft project.
The region’s experience also includes construction of the Royal Australian Navy’s amphibious heavy lift ship HMAS TOBRUK and the refit and conversion of amphibious ships, HMA Ships MANOORA and KANIMBLA.
“ADI has had significant success undertaking major projects in the Hunter region because of the infrastructure and skilled workforce available in the area,” said Mr Baghaei. “This project has the potential to again bring hundreds of jobs to the region.”
Addressing a briefing for leading Hunter Industry representatives, Councillor John Tate, Lord Mayor of Newcastle and the Hon. Bob Baldwin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources and Member for Paterson both encouraged local industry to pull together.
The Hon. Bob Baldwin highlighted the need for a combined push from the Hunter, NSW and Queensland to make sure these jobs materialise for the Hunter.
Newcastle Lord Mayor, John Tate outlined the importance of local businesses, government and industry groups working together to create sustainable communities through partnerships which benefit not only those communities but the whole Australian economy.
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Australia’s Shipbuilding – Best In The East
