Under the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI), Singapore is investing in Australia's development and enhancement of training areas.

Since 1965, over 4,500km² of the Shoalwater Bay region, north of Rockhampton, Queensland, has served as a military training area. It was first used by troops that were deployed to serve in the Vietnam War and has played an important role in military training of Australian and international forces ever since.

A key initiative under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed between Australia and Singapore in 2015, the ASMTI has expanded and developed the existing Shoalwater Bay Training Area and is establishing the new Greenvale Training Area in North Queensland.

Laing O’Rourke, as the managing contractor of the ASMTI Shoalwater Bay Facilities Project (the project), is utilising its global experience in construction to lead the development of Shoalwater Bay Training Area, including the construction of new facilities and upgrade of current infrastructure.

When ASMTI reaches maturity, up to 14,000 Singapore Armed Forces personnel will conduct unilateral training for up to 18 weeks a year for the next 25 years, across Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Greenvale Training Areas.

An investment in security

ASMTI has seen more than $1.25 billion invested in Central Queensland which has included the acquisition of approximately 110,000 hectares of land for the expansion. This project has also involved a strong focus on local industry participation for lasting and tangible benefits for regional jobs, skills, and the economy, with Laing O’Rourke awarding more than 80% of the works to regional Queensland contractors and suppliers.