Premier Roger Cook says high-level defence expo in Perth will bring in millions of dollars for local economy

Premier Roger Cook says this week’s high-level defence expo in Perth will bring in tens of millions of dollars for the local economy.

Mr Cook likened the Land Forces expo, which starts on Tuesday, to the Melbourne event two years ago which generated around $100 million for the State.

“Land Forces is set to deliver a massive boost for the WA economy,” Mr Cook said.

“Victoria saw around $100 million flow into its economy when it hosted the event, and we’re expecting a similar injection for our local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

“We’re making sure WA captures the long-term benefits, too, with our investment in training a skilled defence and shipbuilding workforce to ensure we keep creating jobs for the future.”

Hundreds of defence and weapons business will be showcased in Perth during the three-day expo at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

It’s estimated up to $15,000 people will attend the expo, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles attending.

“Events like Land Forces ensure local businesses are at the front of the queue to take up the significant opportunities AUKUS presents.” Monister assisting the Minister for Defence Industries Amber-Jade Sanderson said.

“It’s about showing off the capability of our existing manufacturing sector and growing defence capability to a global audience and building valuable connections for the future.

“These relationships are crucial for diversifying our economy, strengthening our sovereign capabilities and creating thousands of quality, local jobs.”

This is the first time the expo has been held in Perth, with a record number of WA companies on display.

One hundred local operators will show, double the number who attended the Victorian event two years ago.

In total, 1000 exhibitors will attend, with representatives from over 60 companies.

One of the exhibitors, Perth based engineering company Chironix was recently awarded a US$9.53 million contract with the US Office of Naval Research.

“Chironix builds the brains of robotic systems deployed to some of the harshest and most challenging environments on earth,” Chironix Chief Executive Officer Daniel Milford said.

“When the US Government chooses a Western Australian company to develop advanced technology for its military, it demonstrates the level of capability we have here in WA.

“The trust placed in Chironix to deliver cutting edge solutions that can help protect and save the lives of US personnel is something we’re incredibly proud of.

“Land Forces is an opportunity to show the world that Australia is not just a customer of advanced defence technology. We can develop and export it.

“And the same technology we are developing for defence can be applied here at home, making operations safer and more efficient across mining, resources and critical infrastructure.”

CBD security has been ramped up for the event, with an exclusion zone as far as Elizabeth Quay station enforced around the venue and police conducting stop and search checks as well as vehicle stops.