In recent years there has been a marked growth in Defence and aerospace research, development and training in Australia.

This has largely been in response to the political and economic instability of competing locations, and an increasing awareness of Australia’s potential within the Asia/Pacific region.

 

HMAS Albatross, at Nowra, on the east coast of Australia, is the home base for the Royal Australian Navy’s Aviation contingent. It was established in 1948 and now provides the primary maintenance facility for Naval Aviation.

 

In addition many local and overseas companies such as Raytheon Australia, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), BAE Systems, Boeing and Air Target Services have significant operations in the area in support of this facility.

 

The Department of Defence has recently undertaken a significant upgrade (around $150 million) of the assets at HMAS Albatross.

 

Partners in Development

This investment, along with the increased contracting out of support services to the Australian Defence Force, resulted in the need for a major new industrial area to be established nearby to accommodate the commercial activities that support the aviation and defence industries at Nowra.

 

Shoalhaven City Council had the foresight to provide this site, and is now seeking partners in development for this industrial area known as the Albatross Aviation Technology Park.

 

This industrial park is a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the Australian Aviation Industry from which new and existing aviation technology enterprises can respond to the demands of defence operations at HMAS Albatross, and also service domestic and export markets.

 

HMAS Albatross currently accommodates units from Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and the Australian Army, and is adjacent to Jervis Bay and the south-east Australia marine and air exercise areas.

 

The air base generates approximately $7 million per annum in wages directly, and an additional $15 million is spent on the purchase of supplies and services.

 

There are currently 16 Seahawk anti submarine helicopters, 7 Sea King anti submarine helicopters, and 13 Aerospatiale Squirrel helicopters based at HMAS Albatross, with along 11 Super Seasprites as part of Project SEA1411.

 

Partners in Technology

HMAS Albatross is presently under-utilised,  in terms of facilities and air space.

The expansion and upgrading of the base will grow the usage of its facilities and offer greater opportunities for those who are willing to become partners in technology by taking up residence at the Technology Park and thereby supporting the activities of the Defence services at the base.

 

The more important components of the upgrade have been new hangers, a new control tower, a new aircraft servicing centre, new flight deck trainers, additional taxiway and aprons, and new explosive storage facilities.

 

 

Nowra is located on the south coast of New South Wales.

 

This regional centre of the Shoalhaven is just two hours from the nation’s capital, Canberra and the major economic and political centre of Sydney.

 

It is a rapidly growing area experiencing strong economic and population growth.

 

Projections indicate that it will expand from its current population of 95,000 to around 120,000 by the year 2010.

 

The Shoalhaven has a dynamic manufacturing centre with more than 170 firms operating in the area.

 

These companies concentrate on quality and performance, are export-orientated and contribute in excess of $500 million directly into the local economy.

With a campus of the University of Wollongong, and many public and private schools, the region continues to grow and diversify.  The University has developed a M.Sc (Logistics) program specifically for project/program managers.

 

The lifestyle is enjoyable for most age groups and key personnel for industry are easily attracted to this regional centre.

 

The Shoalhaven is best known for its unspoiled and untouched beaches, and has developed a following as a centre for bushwalking and hiking within its 300,000 hectares of National Parks and State Forests, and for fishing and scuba diving in its rivers and estuaries and jewel of the Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay.

 

To tempt the tastebuds there is a smorgasbord of local, fresh produce available at cafes and restaurants, and a small but fast growing wine industry.

 

The region is served by International airports at Sydney and Canberra, and regional airports are used by smaller airlines.

 

The Albatross Aviation Technology Park provides a range of industrial sites with access to HMAS Albatross airfield facilities including aprons, taxiways and runways.  Shoalhaven City Council’s Economic Development Office can work with your company to design a suitable site for your needs.

 

Partners in the Future

The response to this initiative of Shoalhaven City Council from residents and potential future partners has been enthusiastic. Kaman Aerospace International Corporation, has developed a Helicopter Support Centre which will provide management and administration, training facilities, and integrated logistics support for the Royal Australian Navy’s SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite helicopter program.  Land has also been reserved for the future expansion of this facility.

Positive enquiries have also been received from other aviation technology industries who are considering relocation to the area.

 

Facilities for Raytheon have been built at the AATP to support the delivery of the Electronic Warfare Training Service contract.  The facility has see joint venture partners Raytheon and Computer Sciences Corporation expand their operations in the Nowra area.

 

 

Should your company be interested in hearing more about the Albatross Aviation Park, Australia’s ‘Centre of Aviation Excellence’ please contact Greg Pullen, Economic Development Manager, Shoalhaven City Council, PO Box 42, Nowra, NSW 2541, Australia, Phone (02) 4429 3388, email pullen@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au;

or visit our website  www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/region/econodev/aatp