The Point Wilson Wharf in regional Victoria has reopened to re-commence the large-scale importation of guided weapons and explosive ordnance and associated materiel shipments.
This comes as part of the Australian government’s efforts to increase guided weapons and explosive ordnance stocks for the Australian Defence Force in line with the recommendations in the Defence Strategic Review.
The DSR highlighted the need for Australia to accelerate and expand long-range strike and guided weapon stocks and to establish sovereign missile manufacturing in Australia.
The reopening of Point Wilson Wharf in the Corio Bay region has supported local businesses and jobs in Geelong, with more than 200 people directly employed to deliver the work, Australian Defence said in a media release.
“Geelong’s Point Wilson Wharf will make an important contribution to the Albanese Government’s commitment to investing in guided weapons and explosive ordnance stocks for the Australian Defence Force, as recommended by the Defence Strategic Review,” said Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles.
“This project has delivered significant opportunities for businesses and supported hundreds of local jobs here in Geelong.”
In addition to supporting the ADF, upgrades made to the wharf will also enable it to provide support to other key Australian industries.
“The revitalised jetty and wharf facility will deliver the infrastructure and logistics to support Australia’s vital sovereign supply chains and improve our national resilience,” Marles said.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the government understands the importance of developing a local munitions and guided weapons manufacturing capability to respond to the strategic challenges faced by the country.
“We are taking the necessary steps to deliver on our plan to start manufacturing missiles in Australia in the next two years.”
