Val Schier - Defence Forces Review

Friday, 09 September 2011 07:17

I was pleased to be part of the group which presented to representatives involved in the federal government's review of the Defence forces. Council again worked collaboratively - this time with Advance Cairns, the Chamber of Commerce, Ports North, HMAS Cairns and the 51st Battalion - to develop an initial presentation that demonstrated our capability to be a location for an expanded defence force presence in this broader region (including the Cape and Torres Strait).

We already have air capacity at Scherger Air Force base near Weipa, a large naval base in Cairns, the army at Edmonton and reserves across the region; and importantly a very liveable city which is very attractive to defence forces personnel and their families. And of course room for expansion of all those facilities.

A detailed submission is being finalised to meet the closing date of 16 September and it's hoped that early next year the federal government will be providing an indication of the direction in which it wishes to head.