By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG’S push for a $10 billion army contract is firing up, with the assistant defence minister visiting Geelong next month.
Federal MP for Corangamite Sarah Henderson said Stuart Robert’s visit would be a “fantastic boost” to the bid for the Land 400 combat vehicle project.
The 7 March visit would give regional leaders a chance to speak directly with Mr Robert, who has portfolio responsibility for the Land 400 project.
Ms Henderson said key department staff would accompany Mr Robert to brief the Geelong consortium on the project.
“This is an important opportunity for industry to gain a comprehensive understanding of how we can best push our case to become the home of this $10 billion manufacturing project. While a decision on the awarding of contracts is a number of years away, the hard work must begin now,” she said.
“The visit will also allow Mr Robert to hear first-hand why our region is best-placed to deliver at least part of this exciting project.
“The Geelong region has the necessary physical infrastructure with the spare capacity to support the project. We have direct highway access, a freight sea port and are close to two major airports,” Ms Henderson said.
“The Geelong region’s mix of intellectual capital particularly in the automotive and engineering sectors, defence know-how and manufacturing experience makes it the perfect location.
Ms Henderson said the project, to build new armoured combat vehicles, could “revolutionise” Geelong.
