Far North Qld Security & Defence

Group Information
Group Title:	Far North Qld Security & Defence
Group Description:	The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Armidale and Cape Class Patrol Boat presence in Cairns, and the strength of the Cairns marine industry capability in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the vessels locally, play an essential role in protecting Australia’s northern maritime borders. Queensland’s maritime sector is world class, delivering quality maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities to sustain ADF naval and Australian Border Force platforms, as well as the Pacific Island Guardian-class patrol boats. The Regional Maintenance Centre north east, in Cairns, provides supply chain support and maintenance services for Defence vessels based in and visiting the region. The Cairns Defence Precinct comprises HMAS Cairns (approximately 1000 personnel) and is a strategic base that provides maintenance, logistics and administrative support for fleet units including patrol boats, landing craft, hydrographic ships and the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder. Patrol boats from Cairns support Operation Sovereign Borders in the Christmas Island region as well as defence engagement in the South West Pacific region.