The Queensland Government has awarded $3 million to Aviation Australia to boost defence aviation maintenance skills and expand capabilities through the flagship $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF).
The investment will support the establishment of the Townsville Aviation Centre of Excellence (TACE), a training facility for defence aviation maintenance engineers, supported by new high-technology simulation equipment including Aircraft Maintenance Trainers, Virtual Maintenance Trainers and other advanced system trainers.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the establishment of TACE will bolster Townsville’s position as a nationally significant defence aviation hub, delivering the hands-on training needed to support Australian Defence Force aviation operations across North Queensland into the future.
“This investment will increase Townsville-based sovereign capabilities in aviation maintenance engineering, including skills needed to maintain locally based Australian Defence Force aircraft,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“After a decade of decline and Labor’s scattergun approach to industry development, we are ensuring government investment is flowing to projects that are ready to proceed and capable of delivering tangible outcomes across the State.
“Queensland has a critical role in supporting Australia’s defence capability, and this funding will support skilled employment, regional supply chains and sustainment needed to deliver that capability now and into the future.”
Aviation Australia CEO, Glenn Ryan said the complexity of modern aviation and defence demanded a new generation of training solutions.
“By combining Aviation Australia’s industry-leading expertise with advanced simulation and virtual training technologies, this investment will help grow Queensland’s skilled workforce and ensure Australia continues to develop world-leading aviation professionals for the future needs of defence and the aviation industry,” Mr Ryan said.
“Townsville is a strategic aviation and defence hub, and the Townsville Aviation Training Academy is uniquely positioned to support workforce growth through enhanced hands-on training that accelerates skills acquisition and builds capability for defence aviation maintenance engineers.”
