Local investment needed as Benalla becomes home to major defence contract

By Contributed

Nov 21, 2024

Thales Australia will commission a new shell forging plant in Benalla after winning an ADF contract. Photo by Simon Ruppert

After it was announced that Benalla would be manufacturing artillery shells for the Australian Defence Force, state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, said it was critical that more support and investment was provided for the local community.

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Thales Australia has been selected as the preferred tenderer to build a new domestic forging capability for 155mm M795 artillery ammunition for the ADF.

Under this deal, a shell forging plant will be commissioned for the Commonwealth-owned Benalla Munitions Facility.

Ms Cleeland said investment into Benalla’s capacity to deliver the project was crucial, particularly when it came to housing and local employment.

“With Benalla set to be the home of a multimillion-dollar defence contract, it is essential that benefits find their way back into the local community,” Ms Cleeland said.

“This project has the opportunity to deliver hundreds of local jobs; however, this will require some investment in our town.

“The housing capacity of Benalla and surrounding towns must be improved in order to take strain off the existing market and compound the rental crisis with a potential massive influx of workers.

“Additionally, the Benalla TAFE must be given the opportunity to provide courses that can upskill locals and have them ready to work at this facility.

“I have spoken with Downer Defence and have asked them to come to the table and help deliver back to the local community.

“I look forward to further conversations with them, Thales and the defence department to ensure Benalla is given every opportunity to benefit from this investment.”