Defence Procurement Advisory Committee holds first meeting
The first meeting of the Defence Procurement Advisory Committee convened by Herbert MP Phillip Thompson and chaired by Townsville Chamber of Commerce CEO Ross McLennan has been held this afternoon.
The Committee is working to bring together representatives from Defence, industry and advocacy bodies to discuss opportunities and challenges in relation to defence procurement in the context of works progressing on the Australian Singapore Military Training Initiative project in Greenvale.
The meeting was attended by four regional mayors, Defence and defence industry representatives, and representatives from the local small and medium business community.
Mr Thompson said managing contractor CPB Contractors Pty Ltd has committed to achieving 90% local industry participation in the development phase of the project and 95% of the value of the sub-consultant engagements has been awarded to North Queensland companies.
“The current local industry engagement is meeting the high targets that have been set, but it’s something that we must see continue into the future as it progresses,” he said.
“This is why I have convened this committee, run by and made up of local businesses and community representatives, to ensure taxpayers’ money is being spent in North Queensland.
“We decided as a committee that we would request CPB to attend a future meeting and brief representatives as to the progress and provide insight into the current needs and how they can be met by local industry.
“We’ll continue to meet monthly and ensure communication between the managing contractor, community and industry is as open and effective as possible.”
ENDS