The NSW government has launched the Strong, Smart and Connected strategy to try to build defence manufacturing capability in the state.
Key components of the strategy are to create relationships with federal defence at a state and regional level, to build human capital for the state’s defence industry and to help grow manufacturing capacity in regional Australia.
The state will have a new coordinating body, Defence NSW , that will help deliver NSW’s contribution to major defence projects including the Land 400 project and the Joint Strike Fighter Project.
NSW industry minister Niall Blair said that the new effort will be a whole of government project.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to say we are expecting this work will boost economies across the state, particularly in the Hunter, Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Riverina, Northern NSW and Capital regions,” Blair said.
The minister also said the strategy will also focus on major maritime programs such as Future Submarines, Offshore Patrol Vessels, and the Future Frigates program.