AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2010
SA: Techport to look to commercial sector to boost jobs
ADELAIDE, April 26 AAP - South Australia wants to attract commercial contracts for
its Techport shipbuilding facility in Adelaide, which was established to service an $8
billion federal project for air warfare destroyers.
Premier Mike Rann said on Monday the destroyer project would help create 3000 direct
and indirect jobs.
But attracting more commercial business at Techport would help both maintain and boost
employment.
"The more commercial shipping ventures we can encourage to use this outstanding piece
of infrastructure, the more skilled jobs we can keep and sustain locally in this new industry,"
Mr Rann said.
"While Techport Australia's first priority is for use in building the air warfare destroyers,
the state government has been keen to run Techport Australia as a commercial facility
for other shipping contracts, both naval and civil."
Techport Australia was open to the public on the Anzac Day holiday Monday to coincide
with Navy open day.
Also open was the HMAS Arunta which was berthed in Adelaide as part of the Anzac Day activities.
Crew from the Anzac class frigate marched in yesterday's parade through the city.
"Today's Navy open day will provide a great opportunity for people to realise that
we are on the cusp of a new industry that will generate huge economic benefits," Mr Rann
said.
"The massive air warfare destroyer project alone is expected to contribute in excess
of $1.4 billion to South Australia's economy over the next 10 years."
Under the air warfare destroyer program launched in 2007, Australia will build three
advanced warships based on the Spanish-designed Navantia F100, at a cost of $8 billion.
A fourth may be built.
Manufacturing of AWD hull blocks is now underway at three shipyards - ASC in Adelaide,
BAE Systems in Melbourne and Forgacs in Newcastle.
AAP tjd/maur
KEYWORD: TECHPORT
� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
No comments:
Post a Comment