Councils combine to pursue defence contract for Victoria

An agreement between the Wellington Shire and East Gippsland Shire councils will see them work together to attract a major defence pilot training project to Sale.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two councils has provided a strong basis for the local community to work collaboratively to secure the contract for Defence’s AIR 5428 Pilot Training System.

AIR 5428 aims to provide the ADF with a new fixed-wing pilot training system, covering all facets of undergraduate pilot training, but also candidates for the Helicopter Aircrew Training System.

“Victoria is already recognised as a national leader in commercial and military aviation training and winning this key contract would enable Sale to play an even greater role training Australia’s military pilots,” said Victoria’s Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry, Gordon Rich-Phillips.

“Securing the AIR 5428 contract for Sale will deliver jobs and have significant flow on economic benefits for Gippsland and for Victoria.”

The MoU outlines the actions taken by the two councils to support companies bidding for AIR 5428 and guarantees the use of up to five local airfields for defence pilot training purposes.

Rich-Phillips acknowledged the importance of the local defence sector and the role of the Defence Council Victoria in advising the Victorian Government and advancing the state’s AIR 5428 bid.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is acutely aware of the major contribution that Victoria’s $1.5 billion defence industry makes to our economy and is committed to supporting industry growth,” the Minister said.