Aerospace and defense hub approved for Amberley

A CENTRE for excellence in aerospace and defence support services next
to RAAF Base Amberley is a step closer following preliminary approval
granted by Ipswich City Council.

Mayor Paul Pisasale and council's planning committee chairperson Cr
Paul Tully said the state government could now move forward with
detailed planning for the Aerospace and Defence Support Centre
(ADSC-A) which would provide a huge boost to the Ipswich community by
increasing the diversity of skills in the workforce and would generate
up to 3500 new jobs.

"This site next to RAAF Base Amberley has the potential to position
Ipswich as the Seattle of the southern hemisphere by creating a
central hub for aviation excellence led by high technology aerospace
and defence contractors," Cr Pisasale said.

"Ipswich is gaining a well-earned international reputation for
creating the world's best master planned communities. This approval is
for the first master planned high technology employment hub which will
support defence," he said.

Cr Paul Tully said the state government could now move forward and
submit detailed development applications for the centre.

"The approval includes a master plan for the ADSC-A and special zoning
to unlock the full potential of the site.

"Suppliers to the industry will be able to plug-in to the emerging
opportunities the centre will provide, including a full range of
support services for the base via aircraft taxiway, roads and other
essential infrastructure.

"The recent building program at RAAF Amberley is rapidly positioning
the base as a mega base in Australia," Cr Tully said.

-ENDS-