Defence Manufacturing boost for Bendigo
Fri 13 May 2011
The State Government has welcomed yesterday's announcement from the Australian Government that it has ordered an additional 101 Bushmaster troop carriers, which will be used by Australian troops in Afghanistan.
The decision represents another vote of confidence in the Bushmaster's proven capacity to provide Australian troops with mobility and protection, including against Improvised Explosive Devices.
While saving many Australian lives in Afghanistan, some 31 Bushmasters have been damaged beyond repair and will be replaced, and a further 70 will be ordered for support current and future operations.
This is not only good news for Australian troops, but also for Thales Australia's operations in Bendigo which will be able to continue producing Bushmasters in the short to medium term.
The Department of Defence is understood to be evaluating proposed enhancements to the Bushmaster to increase the level of protection. If viable, Defence will consider applying the approved protections to the 101 Bushmasters.
After this vote of confidence in local technology and Victoria's regional production capacity, the Government is looking forward to a positive commitment by the Commonwealth for future work, including Land 121 Phase 3.
While this order is a good outcome for Bendigo and provides work in the short-term, an order through Land 121 Phase 3, and subsequently Phase 4, will provide long-term certainty for the Bendigo workforce.
