Astra Aerolab to open in the Hunter
27 May 2019
A new defence and aerospace technology park in the Hunter will create up to 5500 jobs during construction, and service and maintain Australian fighter jets.
The new
Astra Aerolab precinct will allow
aviation companies to establish themselves in the region and support the
Royal Australian Air Force combat aircraft, including the F-35A Joint
Strike Fighter.
BAE Systems Australia, one of the largest defence contractors in
Australia, will employ around 400 highly skilled people to support the
Joint Strike Fighter fleet during the 30-plus years of the aircraft’s
service life.
Newcastle Airport and BAE Systems Australia also signed an agreement
giving the defence contractor an option to lease land on stage one of
the Astra Aerolab site.
The
NSW Government has provided $11.7 million to the 76-hectare
precinct
near Williamtown airport for vital infrastructure, including an access
road, power,
water, gas, sewer and data connections.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funding towards the Astra Aerolab
precinct is helping to create jobs for aerospace engineers, aviation, IT
and avionics specialists and attracting workers to the Hunter region.
“I want to thank Newcastle Airport, the
City of Newcastle and
Port
Stephens Council for their hard work and commitment to making this
precinct a reality,” Mr Barilaro said.
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Source: NSW Government - www.nsw.gov.au
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