IPSWICH will host the inaugural Defence Industry Summit on August 31, 2018.
The one day summit plans to bring together all levels of government and industry to engage on defence industry strategies, projects and opportunities.
This is one of the key initiatives under the city’s Defence Industry Strategy supported by the City of Ipswich Defence Industry Attraction Committee (CIDIAC), an advisory body with representatives from Ipswich City Council, Queensland Government, Australian Defence Force, universities and industry.
Economic Development and Digital City Committee chairman Cr Paul Tully considered the summit as one of national significance.
“The day will feature a keynote address, presentations, and panel discussions from experts in their respective fields.
“The aim of the summit is to strengthen Ipswich’s position as a preferred location for defence industry support and manufacturing.
“This involves advocating for defence, industry and communities in the region.
“It also includes taking a longer term strategic approach to facilitate jobs, up-skilling the workforce, manufacturing, and industry and research partnerships.
“We want to help build the readiness and capabilities of small to medium enterprises to be defence-ready.
“Defence industries in Ipswich are worth about $800 million in sales, $600 million in exports and accounts for 20 per cent of Queensland’s total defence employment.
“Planning for the summit is now officially underway.”
Cr Tully said council intended to partner with other defence related organisations including the annual Australian Defence Magazine Congress which can attract up to 350 senior level delegates.
The full program for the Ipswich Defence Industry Summit will be released in the coming weeks.
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