Aerospace project gains altitude

Deputy premier Andrew Fraser said the $150 million Aerospace and Defence Support Centre - Amberley project will create 3500 jobs for Ipswich.

Dave Noonan

THE state government will today open tenders for the aerospace and defence hub to be built near Amberley.

Deputy premier Andrew Fraser said the $150 million Aerospace and Defence Support Centre - Amberley project will create 3500 jobs for Ipswich.

The government will today call for the business case and master plan tenders.

"Queensland stands to benefit enormously from the centre's future development, with up to 3,500 Queensland jobs to be created and the ability to generate more than $10 billion in economic activity over the long-term," Mr Fraser said.

The 183 hectare site off the Cunningham Highway will be a master planned space for aerospace and defence companies to work alongside the RAAF.

Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt said the project would be a benefit for Ipswich's defence industry.

"It's another vote of confidence in the Ipswich area," he said.

"The centre is tipped to be a master-planned, commercially-orientated high technology hub for companies and organisations servicing and supporting Queensland aerospace and defence industries."

Construction could be underway by as soon as 2013.