BAE Systems Australia will create 55 new skilled engineering jobs in the Hunter through the expansion of its Williamtown base.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The project, supported by the State Government's $250 million Jobs Plus Program, will involve the establishment of an additional set of regionally focused bays at the aircraft sustainment hub.
As part of this hub, the company will manage an F-35 South-Asia Pacific Regional Depot. These regional bays will be export focused and attract overseas aircraft and sustainment contracts from the region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the investment in BAE Systems would promote the growth of skilled jobs in regional NSW, while enhancing the nation's sovereign defence capability.
"This Australian-first facility will increase the number of international aircraft that can be maintained at Williamtown and make regional NSW more competitive for future defence export opportunities," Mr Toole said.
"The NSW Government has already invested more than $16 million to develop infrastructure and skills in the Hunter region to strengthen its defence and aerospace industry, through the Astra Aerolab Defence Aviation Technology Precinct and the Williamtown Special Activation Precinct."
READ MORE:
BAE Systems Australia chief executive Gabby Costigan said the government's support was pivotal in maximising the sovereign capability at the Williamtown base.
"The facilities developed here will be a beacon for global F-35 fleets operating within and near our region," Ms Costigan said.
"BAE Systems Australia will continue working with our supply chain partners in the Hunter Valley to identify and secure new opportunities that build on the solid foundation of leading-edge aircraft support we have developed over two decades at Williamtown."
The NSW Government's Jobs Plus Program, which provides eligible companies payroll tax exemptions, will help create 55 maintenance and engineering jobs by 2030 and support 147 indirect jobs by 2024.
"This is a big win for highly skilled jobs in the Hunter, with STEM-focused roles making up 60 per cent of the BAE Systems workforce," Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the size of BAE's supply chain meant more opportunities for local businesses.
"BAE Systems has more than 1,600 businesses as part of its supply chain. This investment will increase the number of workers and businesses operating here in the Williamtown Special Activation Precinct, and drive benefits for the entire supply chain through enhanced networking, information exchange and skills development," Mr Martin said.
IN THE NEWS:
- Push to separate Hunter from New England health district
- Rough seas: region's mixed response to cruise return date
- Unbridled joy: aged care resident's equine visitor
- Knights: Chris Randall vows to establish himself in first grade
- 'Rumour, misconceptions and conspiracy theories': Hunter translator hailed for COVID role
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
