ed316
12-19-2005, 11:01 AM
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/images/masthead.gif
Munitions factory, wharf being considered
Sean Parnell
19dec05
A HIGH-security explosives factory and munitions-loading wharf is being considered by the Defence Department as it finalises plans for a joint military training facility for Australian and US troops.
In a move likely to fuel speculation the US will eventually use Australia as a military staging post, the Australian Defence Force is eyeing sites in Queensland and the Northern Territory to complement existing facilities at Twofold Bay in NSW.
The "joint combined training centre" was put on the agenda last year and became a key item of discussion at AusMin, the annual bilateral meeting between US and Australian cabinet ministers and officials, held recently in Adelaide, where a memorandum of understanding was signed.
Defence has proposed several infrastructure upgrades for central Queensland's Shoalwater Bay Training Area -- yet to be approved by federal cabinet.
Shoalwater Bay would be the focal point for any exercises conducted through the JCTC, including the next Exercise Talisman-Sabre expected to involve tens of thousands of troops in 2007.
The JCTC will also feature a computer simulation network designed to connect Shoalwater Bay exercises with Bradshaw Training Area and Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory and comparable facilities worldwide.
Troops will also test existing weaponry and Defence is examining if Port Alma near Shoalwater Bay might be upgraded to take advantage of the nearby Bajool explosives area to supply the navy with ammunition.
Sites in Darwin are also being examined and a Defence spokesman said facilities at Twofold Bay near Eden -- meant to replace outdated facilities at Point Wilson in Victoria -- would remain operational.
The spokesman said Point Wilson "requires considerable funding to maintain it as a serviceable port for the long-term" and Defence was examining all options for the importation of explosive ordnance.
While any new factory or munitions-loading wharf is unlikely to be operational before Exercise Talisman-Sabre, Defence has confirmed it will make its ammunition facilities available to US forces.
"Foreign forces participating in exercises or activities close to Eden, Darwin or Port Alma can seek Australian authorisation to use the ADF facilities for ammunitioning, if required," the spokesperson said. Defence has previously assured councils and community groups around Shoalwater Bay the JCTC would not make the area any more of a terrorist target, but has yet to detail its proposed infrastructure upgrades.
privacy (javascript:void(0)) terms (javascript:void(0)) © The Australian
Munitions factory, wharf being considered
Sean Parnell
19dec05
A HIGH-security explosives factory and munitions-loading wharf is being considered by the Defence Department as it finalises plans for a joint military training facility for Australian and US troops.
In a move likely to fuel speculation the US will eventually use Australia as a military staging post, the Australian Defence Force is eyeing sites in Queensland and the Northern Territory to complement existing facilities at Twofold Bay in NSW.
The "joint combined training centre" was put on the agenda last year and became a key item of discussion at AusMin, the annual bilateral meeting between US and Australian cabinet ministers and officials, held recently in Adelaide, where a memorandum of understanding was signed.
Defence has proposed several infrastructure upgrades for central Queensland's Shoalwater Bay Training Area -- yet to be approved by federal cabinet.
Shoalwater Bay would be the focal point for any exercises conducted through the JCTC, including the next Exercise Talisman-Sabre expected to involve tens of thousands of troops in 2007.
The JCTC will also feature a computer simulation network designed to connect Shoalwater Bay exercises with Bradshaw Training Area and Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory and comparable facilities worldwide.
Troops will also test existing weaponry and Defence is examining if Port Alma near Shoalwater Bay might be upgraded to take advantage of the nearby Bajool explosives area to supply the navy with ammunition.
Sites in Darwin are also being examined and a Defence spokesman said facilities at Twofold Bay near Eden -- meant to replace outdated facilities at Point Wilson in Victoria -- would remain operational.
The spokesman said Point Wilson "requires considerable funding to maintain it as a serviceable port for the long-term" and Defence was examining all options for the importation of explosive ordnance.
While any new factory or munitions-loading wharf is unlikely to be operational before Exercise Talisman-Sabre, Defence has confirmed it will make its ammunition facilities available to US forces.
"Foreign forces participating in exercises or activities close to Eden, Darwin or Port Alma can seek Australian authorisation to use the ADF facilities for ammunitioning, if required," the spokesperson said. Defence has previously assured councils and community groups around Shoalwater Bay the JCTC would not make the area any more of a terrorist target, but has yet to detail its proposed infrastructure upgrades.
privacy (javascript:void(0)) terms (javascript:void(0)) © The Australian