In a great day for the development of the region, Wagner Corporation turned the sod on their state-of-the-art Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat facility at Wellcamp.
It has been almost 80 years since the last plane was built in Australia, and that is all set to change soon out of Toowoomba.
The new facility that will manufacture the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a low-cost and versatile unmanned aerial vehicle, is set to be built at Wellcamp Business Park.
The facility, which will cover 9000 square meters, is a joint venture between Boeing Australia and Wagner Corporation.
The project was announced today by the federal Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, who said it would boost Australia’s defence capabilities and create jobs in the region.
“This is a game-changer for Australia and our defence industry,“ Minister Price said.
“This facility will produce cutting edge unmanned systems that can protect and assist our defence force personnel, as well as generate significant economic benefits and opportunities for local businesses.“
The facility, which forms part of the Wellcamp master plan will put Toowoomba on the world stage and attract more investment and innovation to the area.
The facility will be one of the most sustainable in the world, using solar power, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation.
Collocated with an airport, and has access to extensive transport networks, making it convenient for transport and logistics.
The partnership with Boeing, a global leader in aerospace and defence, means the facility will be a magnet for other world-class manufacturers and start-ups that wish to relocate here and take advantage of the unique opportunities and infrastructure on offer.
The facility is projected to create 200 jobs during construction and employ about 100 people on completion, including engineers, technicians, and support staff.
He said it would also create opportunities for local suppliers and contractors, as well as educational and research institutions.
April Cavanagh, CEO of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) said facilities like this in Toowoomba represent an amazing opportunity to diversify the job market and show students jobs of the future are available in their backyard.
While turning sod on 26 March, the facility is expected to be operational in three years, manufacturing MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft for Australian and allied defence use is a major development for investment, manufacturing, and skills in the region.
The facility is expected to generate approximately $1 billion in economic activity for Queensland and represents the innovation, skill, and commitment to growth in the Toowoomba Region.
