Budget 2005 - 2006
BUDGET 2005-06
$22.9 MILLION FOR JOINT COMBINED TRAINING CENTRE
Work will begin on upgrading Defence training areas in Queensland and the Northern Territory to develop state-of-the-art training facilities for Australian and United States forces as part of the Joint Combined Training Centre (JCTC) project.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the Budget includes funding of $22.9 million over three years to begin upgrade work on facilities at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland and the Bradshaw Training Area and Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory.
"The initial priority will be to upgrade the Shoalwater Bay Training Area facilities to better support Exercise Talisman Sabre 2007," Senator Hill said.
"The JCTC project aims to provide Australia with the world's best joint training facilities using high technology equipment and sensors.
"The technology will allow commanders to oversee exercises in real time, then replay exercises to personnel for debriefing and training purposes.
"Defence will continue to consult with the Central Queensland community and more detailed information will be made available as upgrade plans develop for the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.
"The JCTC will improve interoperability between Australian and US forces by developing the military skills needed for future combined operations.
"Training and exercising with the world's most technologically advanced armed forces provides many benefits to the Australian Defence Force.
"It will provide the ADF with vital experience in planning and conducting combined operations with US Forces and improve our ability to meet new threats, including threats from international terrorism.
"I see the JCTC as another aspect of a long-term commitment which will further strengthen Australia's important relationship with the United States. Australia will receive important infrastructure and training benefits, and at the same time it will also build on the Australian-US alliance."
Defence Minister Robert Hill, and the United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, announced the JCTC plan in July 2004 at the annual Australia-United States Ministerial consultations (AUSMIN).
The United States intention is to include the JCTC as an accredited node of the United States Joint National Training Capability.
Media contacts:
Sascha Meldrum (Senator Hill) 02 6277 7800 0409 034 241
Defence Media Liaison 02 6265 3343 0408 498 664
|
