- $5.37 million awarded through the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF) to support a major maritime sustainment project by Norship in Cairns.
- Project will expand naval-certified infrastructure to support Defence operations in Northern Australia.
- Fund accelerates growth of the Defence, Biomedical and Biofuels industries and builds sovereign capability in Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after Labor's decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland's defence industry and capability in the Far North, announcing support under the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
Norship Pty Ltd will receive $5.37 million in SIDF funding to upgrade and expand its naval-certified servicing yard at Portsmith, reinforcing Cairns' role as a key Regional Maintenance Centre for Defence operations.
The project will deliver expanded wharf infrastructure, new Defence-certified hardstand areas and modern workshop facilities, increasing capacity to support current and future naval fleets operating in Northern Australia.
The investment will provide for growing demand for maritime sustainment, complementing other infrastructure such as the proposed Common User Facility.
It's expected to create 63 local jobs - 17 during construction and 46 ongoing operational positions.
The $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund forms part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to revitalise Queensland's industrial base, attract private investment and secure long-term economic growth, by backing projects that are shovel-ready and will deliver lasting value to Queensland.
Unlike the former Labor Government's haphazard approach to industry development, the Crisafulli Government's $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund is helping build sovereign industry capability and leveraging Queensland's strengths in the re-focused State Development priorities of Biomedical, Defence and Biofuels.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the Sovereign Industry Development Fund was focused on delivery and backing investment‑ready projects that would deliver real sovereign capability, secure jobs and long‑term economic value for Queenslanders.
"This investment reinforces Cairns' growing role in Australia's defence network, cementing Queensland's position as a leader in the sector," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"After a decade of decline under Labor, Queensland was left without the strategic focus required to grow critical industries and maximise the opportunities presented by our sovereign industries.
"Cairns has a critical role to play as a Regional Maintenance Centre, and this investment reinforces its position in Australia's defence future.
"We're backing investment-ready projects that will deliver real capability, support Australian defence priorities and create high-value jobs for Queenslanders.
"This project will expand maritime sustainment capacity in Northern Australia, ensuring Defence assets can be maintained closer to where they operate.
"By reducing reliance on southern shipyards, we're improving readiness while supporting local jobs, businesses and supply chains in Far North Queensland."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the Far North had the talent and capability to play a major role in strengthening Queensland's sovereign industries
"Our community has the skills, talent and determination to help drive Queensland's sovereign capability, and it's great to be part of a government prepared to back that potential," Ms James said.
"For too long, the Far North's contribution was overlooked, but the Crisafulli Government is ensuring communities across our region have the support needed to attract investment, grow local industries and create secure jobs.
Norship CEO Olav Groot said the investment would enable the company to expand their maritime sustainment capability and support the growing needs of Defence in Australia.
"By upgrading our Cairns facility, we are strengthening our ability to maintain and service naval vessels closer to where they operate, improving efficiency and responsiveness," Mr Groot said.
"This project will not only enhance sovereign maritime capability, but also deliver long-term benefits for the local workforce, suppliers and the broader Far North Queensland economy.
"We are proud to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver critical infrastructure that supports Australia's defence priorities and positions Cairns as a key centre for maritime sustainment."
Construction is already underway and is expected to be completed in early 2028, with operations to commence shortly after.
