Banana Shire Council has signed a landmark partnership deal with AUKUS Forum, marking the first membership agreement between a Local Government body and AUKUS.
AUKUS is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with the AUKUS Forum brings together industry, academia, researchers, government, and defence from the three member countries.
Banana Shire Council Mayor Nev Ferrier said the collaboration would spotlight Queensland’s regional manufacturing and industrial capabilities on the global stage, reaching AUKUS partners across the country, in the United States and United Kingdom.
He said the partnership held substantial benefits, including job creation, investment attraction, economic growth and diversification.
“We are at the beginning of a new chapter of innovation and economic growth for our community and the Banana Shire is well placed to make the most out of this new partnership,” he said.
“Local small, medium and large industries within the shire are set to benefit from this partnership with the aim of attracting investment and creating more skilled jobs within our region.
“This shows our dedication to being the Shire of Opportunity, and AUKUS Forum is the ideal partner to help us reach our full potential.”
Cr Ferrier said Banana Shire Council’s decision to partner with AUKUS Forum stemmed from a strategic agenda to attract contracts, diversify into the defence space, and position the region as a first mover in this exclusive collaboration.
AUKUS Forum founder Michael Sharpe said he was excited to welcome Banana Shire Council to the Aukus Forum.
“Banana Shire’s vision mirrors our mission: harnessing AUKUS to benefit all Australians, especially in rural and regional areas,” he said.
“This partnership will facilitate regional companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in tapping into adjacent markets and empower local businesses by connecting them with international players hungry for Australian collaboration.
“Local SMEs across manufacturing, engineering, mining, defence and more will gain direct access to our AUKUS partners and members across Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
“We’ve seen firsthand how this collaboration and knowledge sharing can open doors to lucrative contracts, technology knowledge transfer, and open burgeoning new markets.”
An upcoming event is scheduled in July 2024, which aims to foster connection and collaboration across industries and provide a platform for local businesses to explore new opportunities.
AUKUS Forum co-chairs, former Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon and former Australian Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos, praised Banana Shire Council’s “forward-thinking approach”.
“Rural and regional communities often hold untapped talent eager to contribute,” they said.
“This agreement will put Banana Shire businesses in direct contact with major national and international companies seeking Australian industry partners, ensuring the benefits of AUKUS flow to all regions, not just capital cities.”
Mr Sinodinos said the collaboration represented a significant step in bringing cutting-edge defence and technology projects to regional Queensland.
