By NOEL MURPHY
ANTI-WAR activists have slammed Geelong leaders for pursuing a $20 billion army contract instead of opportunities in alternative energy, food and medical research.
Swan Island Peace Group accused Geelong Defence Alliance of pursuing the business of death in its push for the Land 400 project.
Group spokesman Greg Rolles said Geelong’s bid to refashion its economy as traditional manufacturing declined should focus on pursuits that help “people live and thrive rather than killing them”.
“Geelong has lots of qualified people who could be involved in peaceful, sustainable alternatives,” he said.
“I’m aware Geelong is facing hard times and needs to find jobs but in the long run any focus on so-called defence and military research is ultimately unsustainable.
“We should be focussing on alternative energy, medical research, food production, anything that helps people.”
The peace group, which will next week target Queenscliff’s Swan Island defence facility and the role of its trainees in US-led military conflicts, also attacked next February’s Avalon International Airshow as a trade show of death.
“One of the major companies there will be Lockheed Martin, which Australia has pledged $14 billion to for a joint strike fighter that’s a lemon made in the US,” Mr Rolles said.
“The government is asking us to spend $7 every time we go to the doctor. Avalon represents the theft from Australia of social services by companies in the business of death.”
The defence alliance members include Winchester Australia, Committee for Geelong, Avalon Airport and representatives from City Hall, Geelong’s manufacturing council and its tourism board.
Geelong is vying with South Australia to win work building the Land 400 armoured combat vehicle. The world’s largest armoured vehicle project would create hundreds of direct manufacturing jobs for its host city.
Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons said earlier this year he was committed to securing the project.
“Our city needs this now,” he said.
“We are in a rebuilding stage in Geelong and this is the future for our great city.
“We are prepared to take on this new industry, are capable and have the best location. I want to build and service the Australian Defence Force’s new military vehicle and create jobs for the future.”
Premier Denis Napthine has invited Cr Lyons to attend next week’s Land Forces Expo in Brisbane where he will promote the Geelong campaign.
“I have been advocating the capability of Geelong and pushing for greater Australian content in the delivery of the Land 400 vehicle and I am delighted to accept the Premier’s invitation to the launch of the Victorian State Government strategy on land defence activities,” he said.
