Contributing to the economy

Defence presence and activities in Central Queensland creates an economic benefit of $52.8 million.

The management and use of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area by the Australian Defence Force, and visiting training partners, creates a massive economic benefit to the Central Queensland area.

This includes the money spent by Defence with local business for the supply of goods and services to support management of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and the exercises undertaken. A variety of goods and services are bought by Defence including food, transport, fuel, construction equipment and services, local road maintenance, etc. In 2003 this was estimated at $27 Million.

Expenditure by Australian and visiting forces when in the region is estimated to be $24.8 Million in 2003. When transiting to or from the Training Area and/or on leave in the region, personnel spend money on accommodation, transport, food and beverage, shopping, touring, entertainment, etc.

Defence personnel based in the Central Queensland area spent $1 million on general household expenditure.

The positive effect of this $52.8 million being injected into the Central Queensland economy is the creation of 728 full time equivalent jobs.

The Central Queensland University has independently determined the value of the economic impact to Central Queensland in August 2004. The report was released in November 2004.