Bringing the Heat to Canbrerra

by | Sep 18, 2026 | AC news | 0 comments

The weather was cold but the reception warm in Canberra for Advance Cairns’ trip to Parliament.
Our message to Canberra this week was clear – the Far North has what it takes to become a major Defence maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and sustainment hub for Northern Australia.
With more than 4600 marine industry workers, HMAS Cairns, the Cairns Marine Precinct, the emerging Common User Facility, Cairns Airport, education and training expertise, our region has the workforce, infrastructure and strategic location to support Defence and our allies across the Indo-Pacific.
Over two days Advance Cairns CEO Jennifer Spilsbury, Chair Luke Bird and Government Relations Manager Inge Hansen met with various ministers, shadow ministers and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade heads.
There are great things happening in our region and we’re excited for what’s coming. Through great infrastructure investment in our region, we’re looking to sweat the assets and plan for the future.
The Far North is ready. ⚡
Thanks to Leichhardt MP Matt Smith and his team for keeping up this fight and helping us navigate the halls of Parliament!
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