Big plans at Tin Can Bay

BOOST: The Defence Department has big plans for its Wide Bay Training Area.

Craig Warhurst

A MASSIVE $100 million-plus economic kick start for the Gympie Region has moved a step closer, with a Defence Department announcement of major upgrade work at the Camp Kerr defence base at Tin Can Bay.

The Defence Department yesterday said the project would involve civil and building works “in the order of $60 million” at the Wide Bay Training Area.

With the worker and contractor income component subject to a conservative multiplier factor of four, the project would have an economic stimulus effect of at least $100 million – and probably much more - particularly in the Cooloola Coast area.

The department at the weekend invited local construction industry representatives to briefing sessions on the project, known as Enhanced Land Force Stage 2C, part of a $1.4 billion spending package to boost Army training facilities nationally.

The two-part briefing by Defence personnel will cover the scope of works involved in the project and Defence tendering requirements for head contractors.

Both sessions will be held at the Gympie Conference Centre, Fraser Road, from 4.30pm on February 11.