SA defence hub to boost local supply chains
The South Australian government has announced that a new “landing pad” to help international defence companies establish themselves in the state will be created at Adelaide’s new innovation precinct, Lot Fourteen.
The Defence Landing Pad will offer affordable, short-term office facilities co-located with other like-minded companies and industry associations in the Adelaide CBD.
Premier Steven Marshall, will promote the initiative when he attends Euro Naval in Paris this week and said the Landing Pad will help international businesses build closer relationships with South Australian businesses and create opportunities for the local SME supply chain.
Participating companies will also have access to government and industry support services to help with issues ranging from local regulations and migration to business establishment and real estate, as well as information on workforce availability and training opportunities.
The Defence Landing Pad combines our defence industry credentials with our culture of innovation. The Defence Landing Pad will provide the opportunity for South Australia to capture new defence industry investment, as part of a growing local industry with significant employment opportunities,” Premier Marshall said.
Built on the 7 hectare site of the former Royal Adelaide Hospital, Lot Fourteen aims to become one of Australia’s leading technology innovation hubs and will host a wide range of defence, cyber security, artificial intelligence, blockchain and space companies.
Around 1,000 people expected to be working at Lot Fourteen by late 2019, with more than 40 businesses, including American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, which recently announced it will take up tenancy at the site.
Premier Marshall said he was “incredibly proud of the Defence Landing Pad initiative, as we launch a new way in which South Australia is fostering collaboration and creating business opportunities for our international defence partners.
“Companies that join the Defence Landing Pad will have a unique opportunity to be a part of Lot Fourteen, which is fast becoming a business hub for entrepreneurs, start-ups, corporations, mentors, researchers and investors.”
The Defence Landing Pad will be managed by Defence SA. Its chief executive, Richard Price said, “The Defence Landing Pad has already received a high level of interest, as it will make it easy for international companies to start doing business in South Australia.”
