PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS 30 SEPTEMBER 1977
DEFENCE CONTRACT TO-NORTH QUEENSLAND FIRM
A North Queensland firm has been selected for the supply
of 22 workboats to the Royal Australian Navy and the Army,
subject to the satisfactory completion of final negotiations on
details of a proposed contract worth about $ 3.4 million.
North Queensland Engineers and Agents of Cairns has been
selected after evaluation of tenders, received from Australian
and New Zealand firms in intense competition.
Work on the first workboat will commence shortly, and the total
order is scheduled to be _ ompl.. eted within three years.
It is estimated the contract will provide* 100 man years of
work. Sub-contractors and suppliers of materials in the
Cairns area should also benefit from the contract.
The workboats will replace craft in use at various Service
establishments throughout Australia, and will meet new
requirements. Fifteen will be supplied to the RAN, and
seven to the Army.
They will be used for the transport of personnel, equipment
and stores, towing lighters, pontoons and buoys, training
of clearance divers, and various other utility tasks.
The design has been prepared by the Directorate of Naval Ship
Design in the Department of Defence in Canberra. Features will
include a 12m aluminium hull, and twin diesel engines.
Navigation and lifesaving arrangements will be of a sufficient
standard to permit short coastal passages. I
The total cost of the project including shipbuilding costs, and
ancillary equipment, will be J4.7 million.