Defence means business in Rockhampton

A university study has shown that big money marches into Central Queensland along with the troops. Photo by PO Kev Bristow, CPA

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson

ONE of the reasons the economy of Central Queensland is healthy is thanks to the injection of a massive $52.8 million through Defence-related activities.

A recent Central Queensland University (CQU) study has revealed the contribution Defence made to the region in 2003, with an estimated $27 million alone being spent on exercises, management and infrastructure in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Visiting Australian and overseas troops are also believed to have spent nearly $25 million on accommodation, transport, food, shopping and entertainment, with Americans estimated to spend on average more than $2700 each, during post-exercise stand-down in the area.

The money spent in the area creates about 720 full-time jobs, with flow-on effects such as the extension and deepening of the region’s skill base, support for industry growth, direct funding injections into the construction industry and a general expansion of business activity.

CQU Associate Professor Gayle Jennings said that while she expected the total Defence expedenditure to be high, the amount spent by military tourists was a surprise.

“What it demonstrates is the significance of defence personnel when they are on stand-down in the area,” she said.

“So local business needs to think outside the box to capitalise on these military tourism opportunities.”

With up to 20 per cent of all tourism revenue in the region now generated by visiting troops, the report will be made available to local businesses through the Defence web site www.defence.gov.au to help them meet the needs of visiting troops.

History of SWBTA

Archaeological investigations suggest tribal clans of the Darumbal group have existed in the area for more than 1000 years. European contact with the area began when Leut James Cook, commander of HMS Endeavour, explored the area in May, 1770. Since then the following has occurred:

SWBTA confusion

Despite the success of the financial impact Defence makes to Central Queensland, confusion in regard to the use and management of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) has caused a number of concerns to be raised by the surrounding community. Defence is currently addressing these issues, which include: