Victoria's space technology capabilities are about to expand with a proposal from a global industry leader to dedicate more resources in the state and attract more investment to the increasingly important sector.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Manufacturing Sovereignty Ben Carroll today joined Lockheed Martin Australia representatives at the Avalon 2023: Australian International Airshow, to detail the company's plans for its Victorian operations.
Lockheed Martin Australia is one of five companies bidding for the Commonwealth Government's JP9102 project, which will be the country's first major space program designed for the Australian Defence Force.
Should it be successful, Lockheed Martin Australia will work with the Andrews Labor Government to build a space hub in the state, creating around 150 jobs.
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defence company and already has a 200-strong presence in Victoria. This includes a research and development facility, STELaRLab, which is partnering with universities to develop world-leading technologies in critical areas like space-based image exploitation and space domain awareness.
Victoria has one of the nation's largest space sector economies, which generates around $400 million each year, employing around 2,300 people in 250 businesses.
The Labor Government is working to support defence companies in taking advantage of new opportunities through initiatives including the $10 million Victorian Land Systems Fund, $2.6 million Defence Industry Workforce Development Program and $1.3 million Smart Enough Factory Program.
The Government is also supporting this year's Avalon Airshow, the Southern Hemisphere's biggest aviation, aerospace and defence exhibition, which takes place between 28 February and 5 March.
Victoria's defence sector contributes $8.4 billion to the state's economy each year and supports around 24,300 jobs.
As stated by Minister for Industry and Innovation and Manufacturing Sovereignty Ben Carroll
"This project will ensure Victoria cements its position asa global leader in the space and defence sectors."
"We're ready to take advantage of new investment in space thanks to our highly skilled workforce, connected supply chains, engineering expertise and world-class research institutions."
As stated by Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Warren McDonald
"As a global industry leader in space, we share the Victorian Government's vision for a vibrant, dynamic space sector and welcome the opportunity to work together for its realisation."
"The proposed investments in infrastructure, skilled jobs and STEM initiatives are designed to contribute significantly to ensuring Victoria's space economy grows sustainably for decades to come."
