Winter
Capability News


Welcome to the Winter 2018 edition of Capability News. As the weather cools down, things are heating up with major projects and opportunities across the country.

In this edition, we bring you news of three large defence projects – across Land, Sea and Air – all ready and willing to involve local content.

On Land, Watpac has been appointed managing contractor to build the $170 million Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) for Rheinmetall Defence Australia at Redbank, in Ipswich, and is committed to using the highly-skilled construction workforce at Ipswich and across South East Queensland.

At Sea, Naval Group, Australia’s partner in the future submarine project, is looking for long-term partner relationships to create an enduring supply chain throughout the country, with all 12 submarines would be built in Australia, using Australian suppliers where possible.

Across the Air (waves), BAE Systems has been named as the preferred tenderer for the $1 billion Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) upgrade. The 100 per cent Australian-designed and supported solution will ensure a high level of industry participation and the application of rapidly developing technology.

While Defence is the big news this edition, our consultants in every state are working hard to ensure local content is always optimised.

In the Northern Territory, ICN NT is undertaking a long-term and intensive capability mapping exercise in conjunction with the State Government to have a better understanding of local capability in several key industries, including mining, marine and aquaculture. The project includes a gap analysis to provide insights into skills shortages and inform senior schooling and VET training. The top end is also rolling out an ambitious plan to improve housing options in rural and remote communities.

Eden, on the far south coast of New South Wales, is set to become a major domestic cruising destination with the extension and upgrade of the Eden Breakwater Wharf, and local businesses are already reaping the benefits.

Victoria is in the midst of a state-wide program to replace dangerous level crossings, making Victorian roads safer and more efficient.

And finally, suppliers in Victoria and Northern Territory now have access to ICN Marketplace, through partnership with VendorPanel. This partnership is all about making it easy for suppliers to access mid-size opportunities and to increase the number of SME’s engaged in local procurement.

We hope you enjoy the Winter Edition of Capability News and we look forward to bringing you more information and updates through the year.

Don Matthews

Chair, ICN Executive Directors


SE Qld to become regional Hub for military vehicles

Watpac has been appointed managing contractor to build the $170 million Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) for Rheinmetall Defence Australia at Redbank, in Ipswich.


Live, vibrant, flexible supply chain wanted for Future Subs

Businesses interested in being involved in the supply chain for the Future Submarine project have been told they have an obligation to produce equipment that will ‘take 55 men and women into a hostile environment and bring them back alive’.


Government housing plan targets remote NT residents

The Northern Territory Government has embarked on a project to improve housing in remote communities and is working with ICN NT to ensure local suppliers benefit.


Local and Indigenous businesses big winners in wharf upgrade

Eden, on the far south coast of New South Wales, is set to become a major domestic cruising destination with the extension and upgrade of the Eden Breakwater Wharf, and local businesses are already reaping the benefits.


BAE Systems Australia seeks local capability for JORN upgrade

With BAE Systems Australia awarded the $1 billion Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) upgrade, ICN has launched a portal on Gateway for local suppliers to lodge expressions of interest in work packages.


Oil and gas leaders converge on Adelaide

In May, Adelaide welcomed delegates to Australian oil and gas industry’s premier annual event, the 2018 Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Conference and Exhibition.


ICN Marketplace boosts Vic and NT suppliers

ICN State offices in Victoria and Northern Territory are offering ICN-registered suppliers a new and exclusive platform that provides them with the opportunity to bid for more work.


SA businesses benefit from ICN Energy Expo

Following the success of the inaugural Energy Efficiency Expo last year, ICN SA has once again partnered with the Government of South Australia to bring the event back in 2018.


Mapping the capability of the Territory

Over the past two years, the Northern Territory Government, with the help of ICN NT, has embarked on a major capability mapping project focusing on supply chains in four key industries.


Gateway and data security

ICN has always been committed to ensuring the privacy of our subscribers and, with the General Data Protection Regulations coming into effect in the EU from May 25, you can rest assured that ICN is committed to safeguarding your data.


Land Forces 2018

Adelaide’s newly expanded Convention Centre will house a “who’s who” of Australian land defence prime contractors and SMEs in September, when it hosts the Land Forces 2018 exposition.


Presented in collaboration with the Australian Army, Land Forces 2018 is an international industry exposition to showcase equipment, technology and services for the armies of Australia and the Indo-Asia-Pacific.


AusRAIL 2018 - Rail for a better future

The Australasian’s premier rail industry event is set to take place on the 27-28 November 2018 at the National Convention Centre, Canberra. AusRAIL 2018, hosted by the Australasian Railway Association, will attract over 700 senior attendees to the conference program which includes plenary sessions, technical streams and forums with well-respected industry leaders and CEOs. The conference theme for this year is ‘Rail – For a better future,’ delving into the economic, social and environmental benefits and future opportunities of rail in developing a better integrated, livable and prosperous society.