Army to get new Australian-made regional support craft for FNQ

The new vessel would be operated by the Army’s 51st Far North Queensland regiment. The builder is not named, but Thursday Island engineering firm Rebel Marine is listed to provide wharfage and mooring upgrades to accommodate the new boat.

“The craft and wharf upgrades are a great opportunity for local industry to support Defence operations in far north Queensland,” said defence industry minister Melissa Price.

The support agreement with Rebel Marine for waterfront work “is still under development” and “is expected to be in place by October 2020 when the craft is scheduled to be delivered to Defence,” according to the media statement released on Wednesday.

The vessel will perform roles including search and rescue, reconnaissance, recovery and casualty evacuation operations.