The Hon Richard Marles MP
|
The Hon Pat Conroy MP
20 Dec 24
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The Hon Richard Marles MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Defence
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The Hon Pat Conroy MP
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery
Minister for International Development and the Pacific
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General enquiries
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23 October 2023
The Albanese Government is continuing efforts to increase guided weapons and explosive ordnance stocks for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as part of immediate actions to reprioritise Defence’s capabilities, in line with the Defence Strategic Review (DSR).
A key recommendation of the DSR was to accelerate and expand long-range strike and guided weapons stocks and to establish sovereign missile manufacturing in Australia.
To support these efforts, the Point Wilson Wharf in the Corio Bay region of Victoria has reopened today following remediation works that will see it recommence large-scale importation of guided weapons and explosive ordnance and associated materiel shipments.
This project has supported local businesses and jobs in Geelong, with more than 200 people directly employed to deliver this work.
In addition to supporting the ADF, the upgrades to the wharf will see it also available to support other key Australian industries.
Quotes attributable to Acting Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
“Geelong’s Point Wilson Wharf will make an important contribution to the Albanese Government’s commitment to investing in guided weapons and explosive ordnance stocks for the Australian Defence Force, as recommended by the Defence Strategic Review.
“The revitalised jetty and wharf facility will deliver the infrastructure and logistics to support Australia’s vital sovereign supply chains and improve our national resilience.
“This project has delivered significant opportunities for businesses and supported hundreds of local jobs here in Geelong.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“The Albanese Government understands the importance of developing a local munitions and guided weapons manufacturing capability, to respond to the strategic challenges we face.
“We are taking the necessary steps to deliver on our plan to start manufacturing missiles in Australia in the next two years.”
MEDIA NOTE:
Media can access imagery of the opening at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20233148