[Defending the Lion City] Singapore military exercise fires up regional economy in central Queensland

Photo: The Singapore Armed Forces have brought in tanks for Exercise Wallaby. (Flickr: Cyberpioneer)

Singapore military exercise fires up regional economy in central Queensland
ABC Capricornia By Paul Robinson , Posted Mon 19 Sep 2016 at 12:13pm

An influx of 6,000 soldiers from Singapore is expected to inject millions of dollars into Queensland's economy over the next two months.

The Singapore Armed Forces have been conducting Exercise Wallaby at Shoalwater Bay near Rockhampton every year for more than 20 years.

This year's exercise started at the weekend.

Capricorn Enterprise chief executive Mary Carroll said the exercise generated much-needed revenue for local businesses.

"Transport and logistics, suppliers, whether it be linen services through to food obviously," she said.

"Services on the ground, then you've got the infrastructure, suppliers or contractors who assist in the construction and the upgrade of roads and facilities up there.

"The Singapore Armed Forces' impact to the region in economic terms is about $35 million a year.

"That's not just the logistics and all the components of their training, but also their … rest and relaxation program as well."

Ms Carroll said the soldiers also enjoyed retail therapy after they finished their military duties.

"They love shopping, they love air conditioning, and a number of the shops do very well during their visit here," she said.

"We've had many years in the region, a great relationship with Singapore Armed Forces, and we certainly value not just the economic input but their friendship.

"Over the years on very special occasions, their military bands have come over and performed for our local communities, and the cultural respect between the two nations I think is very commendable."

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Read more about Exercise Wallaby and Australia's Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA)

Straits Times: Singapore, Australia ink landmark pact to boost ties in security, trade and arts

The lion and the kangaroo: Australia’s strategic partnership with Singapore

Senang Diri - Queensland's Shoalwater Bay Training Area future-proofed by Australia-Singapore agreement 

Senang Diri - Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) projects forces at long-range to Queensland, Australia, for Exercise Wallaby 2013 

In Perfect Sync: Exercise Wallaby 2015 (YouTube)

From the Australian outback: Exercise Wallaby 2013