Securing Australia’s north west shelf

Date: 13 May 2005

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Delivering on the Howard Government’s commitment to Australia’s offshore maritime security, a package of A$ 139.3 million over four years is being provided to protect Australia’s offshore oil and gas facilities on the North West Shelf.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said the funding package, which includes A $101.2 million in new funding, provides two additional Armidale Class Patrol Boats to undertake North West Shelf surveillance. This funding package also provides for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) trials in a long-duration surveillance mission.

“The patrol boats will enable the Navy to provide dedicated surveillance and monitoring of the North West Shelf to protect strategic national assets as well as an enhanced quick-reaction capability to respond to potential threats, including terrorist attacks,” Senator Hill said. “A capability trial to assess the maritime surveillance potential of UAVs and their ability to operate in conjunction with the patrol boats will also be undertaken. The trial will test the UAVs’ ability to effectively monitor offshore activities and contribute to the security and defence of the North West Shelf’s assets and other maritime environments.

The provision of the new funding for the patrol boats and conducting the UAV trial will build upon the existing surveillance and operational assets in the region operated by the Australian Defence Force, Coastwatch and Customs.