Australia and Singapore may sign accord soon<\/p>\n
SYDNEY (AFP): Australian defense chiefs are close to winning a
\nlucrative contract to allow up to 1,200 Singaporean military
\npersonnel a foothold on the country's eastern coast, officials
\nsaid yesterday.<\/p>\n
Brig. Adrian D'Hage, head of information at the Department of
\nDefense, said the two countries were discussing a proposal to
\nbring the staff and their families to Australia.<\/p>\n
Singapore would shift 12 Super Puma helicopters to the
\nAustralian Army aviation base in Oakey, Queensland, with up to
\n500 personnel, and base 20 Super Skyhawk advanced jet trainers,
\nwith up to 700 staff, in Amberley, Queensland.<\/p>\n
\"The proposals are in the advanced discussion stage, we have
\nnot yet signed a memorandum of understanding ... once we do it
\nmay take up to two years for the project to reach its fruition,\"
\nD'Hage said.<\/p>\n
The value of the contract to Australia could not be disclosed
\nat this stage, but it would involve a rent and \"substantial
\nconstruction\" of hangars, tarmac, fuel farms and family
\naccommodation.<\/p>\n
\"In recent years, Singapore has had difficulties finding what
\nwe have got plenty of -- and that is space,\" D'Hage said.<\/p>\n
\"Being a relatively small island, their airspace is limited
\nand of course there is increasing pressure from commercial
\nactivity, and the same goes for their geography.\"<\/p>\n
He could not confirm a report in the Sydney Morning Herald
\nthat the Singapore Defense Force had proposed spending more than
\nA$50 million (US$37 million) on the project.<\/p>\n
Singapore already has an air force training school at the
\nRoyal Australian Air Force Pearce Air Base outside Perth in
\nWestern Australia.<\/p>\n
The country also occasionally conducts large-scale army
\nexercises at an Australian training area in Shoalwater Bay on the
\nQueensland coast.<\/p>\n
\"First and foremost it reflects the government policy of
\ngreater cooperation, a strong Singapore and of course a strong
\nsoutheast Asia -- it is in Australia's interests to assist that,\"
\nsaid D'Hage.<\/p>\n
\"We are far more part of that region these days than we were
\nperhaps 20 years ago and we have a policy now of much greater
\ncooperation not only in defense but in a large number of other
\nareas including trade.\"<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/australia-and-singapore-may-sign-accord-soon-1447893297",
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