Community & Business
4 April, 2024
Boeing facility at Wellcamp set to take-off
The start of early works for the construction of Boeing Australia’s new production facility for its MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed combat aircraft is underway.
Supported by the State Government, the establishment of the facility at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct is a significant investment by Boeing and a strong commitment to their future in Queensland.
Construction of the 9,000 square metre facility is being undertaken by Wagner Corporation on Boeing’s behalf.
As the first combat aircraft designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in a number of years, the Australian Government has partnered with Boeing Australia throughout the aircraft’s development, in recognition of its future significance for the Australian Defence Force.
The Ghost Bat is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft with fighter-like performance and, in addition to acting as a loyal wingman to crewed and uncrewed aircraft, it is designed to support surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
Following early works, construction of the production and final assembly facility will commence later this year and is expected to be complete by 2027.
Development of the facility will support about 200 construction jobs with the production facility expected to create at least 100 highly skilled advanced manufacturing jobs.
Deputy Premier Cameron Dick said the start of construction was significant.
“For the first time in more than 50 years we are going to build combat aircraft in Australia, but this time it will be in Queensland,” he said.
“The Ghost Bat is a momentous project for Queensland’s future and for Australia’s sovereign capabilities.
“The 100 highly skilled operational jobs here in Toowoomba once production commences in 2027 will be in addition to Boeing’s considerable Queensland workforce that currently stands at around 2,400 people.”
Scott Carpendale, Vice President of Boeing Government Services in the Asia Pacific region thanked the State Government for its partnership.
“Our over 30-year strong partnership with the Queensland Government has resulted in a number of cutting-edge Boeing systems and technologies being developed in the region,” he said.
“The groundbreaking of the MQ-28 production facility reinforces Boeing’s confidence in the local defence and aviation industry, and we’re excited about the opportunities that will come from this next exciting step in our partnership with the Queensland Government.”
The Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise Group said the project would boost the local economy.
“It has been almost 80 years since the last plane was built in Australia, and that is all set to change soon out of Toowoomba,” a spokesperson said.
“The new facility that will manufacture MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a low-cost and versatile unmanned aerial vehicle, set to be built at Wellcamp Business Park.”
It’s hoped the facility, which forms part of the Wellcamp master plan will put Toowoomba on the world stage and attract more investment and innovation to the area.
The facility will use solar power, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation, co-located with an airport, and access to extensive transport networks, making it convenient for transport and logistics.
Besides the afore-mentioned construction and manufacturing jobs, the project will also create opportunities for local suppliers and contractors, as well as educational and research institutions.
April Cavanagh, CEO of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) said it was a great opportunity for the Toowoomba region.
“Facilities like this in Toowoomba represent an amazing opportunity to diversify our job market and show students jobs of the future are available in our backyard,” she said.
The facility is expected to generate approximately $1 billion in economic activity for Queensland, and represents the innovation, skill, and commitment to growth in the Toowoomba Region.
