Connecting you to Work in Central Queensland

Defence Supply Chain Industry

The Shoalwater Bay Training Area, approximately 80 kilometres north of Rockhampton, is the Australian Defence Force’s primary training area for the conduct of large-scale, joint-force military training exercises.

Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative


The Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative is about investing, building and training. It will provide Australian troops with better training opportunities and strengthen Australia’s relationship with Singapore, an important Defence partner. As host to this Initiative, the local communities of Central and North Queensland will benefit from economic opportunities that arise as the training areas are enhanced and as Singapore’s training activities increase.

Around $2 billion will be invested in the Central and North Queensland regions over the life of the Initiative. Consistent with the Initiative’s Memorandum of Understanding, the Maximising Opportunities for Local Industry, the Australian and Singapore Governments are committed to helping local businesses harness the opportunities associated with the Initiative.

Local businesses will have opportunities to seek work across a range of areas under the ASMTI, including construction, logistics and technical support.

During establishment of the training areas, training area design and construction of infrastructure and facilities provide opportunities for businesses. Early works activities include fencing, firebreaks and signage.

When training areas are operational, Defence anticipates local businesses will have opportunities in logistics, maintenance, administrative and transportation support.

Laing O’Rourke was announced as the Managing Contractor for construction works at Shoalwater Bay Training Area in September 2018.

As part of its Local Industry Capability Plan, Laing O’Rourke has committed to sourcing in the order of 80 per cent of the value of the sub-contracted works from the Central Queensland region, ensuring local businesses can take advantage of opportunities arising from the ASMTI.

For further information about construction works at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, contact Laing O’Rourke: ASMTI@laingorourke.com.au.

Shoalwater Bay Remediation Project


Within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, the Shoalwater Bay Remediation Project includes the upgrade of facilities within the training area, including:

  • Upgrade Urban operations training facility to tier 3 status;
  • Airfields at Samuel Hill and Williamson to accommodate heavy lift operations;
  • Williamson Camp to cater for 1000 personnel;
  • Dingo Drive to accommodate two-way traffic manoeuvres;
  • Construct hardened Beach Landing facilities;
  • Plus other works including electrical, environmental, fencing.

These upgrades will enable soldiers to train more effectively, support new military capabilities and minimise the impact of training activities on the surrounding environment.

The $135 million project is being delivered by project managers Downer EDI Works and FK Gardner and Sons (Downer/FKG JV) between 2019 and 2022.

The project’s construction workforce is estimated to peak at 220 people and 59 subcontractor trade packages totalling more than $70 million will be offered to local industry over the life of the project.


Shoalwater Bay Jobs

Connect to jobs with SWBTA contractors - The managing contractors who are building the Shoalwater Bay Training Area facilities are engaging local subcontractors and employing local workers.