The Banana Shire Council has signed a landmark partnership agreement with AUKUS Forum to showcase Queensland’s regional manufacturing and industrial capabilities globally.
The partnership marks the first-ever membership agreement between a Local Government body and the AUKUS Forum, an independent platform that focuses on unlocking the transformative potential of the historic AUKUS agreement.
The agreement aims to highlight Queensland’s industrial capabilities to AUKUS partners across Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom to drive innovation, investment
Nev Ferrier, Banana Shire Council’s Mayor, has emphasised the benefits of the new partnership, 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. 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,” Ferrier said.
Michael Sharpe, founder of AUKUS Forum, said the partnership will allow local small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing, engineering, mining, and defence industries to access AUKUS partners and members and connect them with international players hungry for Australian collaboration.
“We’ve seen firsthand how this collaboration and knowledge sharing can open doors to lucrative contracts, technology knowledge transfer, and open burgeoning new markets.”
Through the partnership, Banana Shire Council seeks to attract contracts, diversify into the defence space, and position the region as a first mover in the exclusive collaboration.
Former Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon and Former Australian Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos, co-chairs of AUKUS Forum, commended the partnership and Banana Shire Council’s forward-thinking approach.
“Rural and regional communities often hold untapped talent eager to contribute. 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,” Fitzgibbon said.
“This collaboration represents a significant step in bringing cutting-edge defence and technology projects to regional Queensland,” said Sinodinos.
