14 May 2024
The Federal and South Australian Governments are jointly investing $60 million towards an Advanced Defence Technologies Training Academy to be developed at Lot Fourteen, which will be operated by the new Adelaide University.
Lot Fourteen will become home to a state-of-the-art facility from 2026, which will provide digital training, education and research capabilities critical to the defence industry, while aligning with other sectors including space and cyber.
The Academy aims to strengthen South Australia’s skills and talent pool while providing a unique place where research supported environments benefit from deep industry expertise. It will leverage collaboration across industry and academia, while positioning the new Adelaide University as a significant institution for defence and national security.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Government of South Australia, University of Adelaide and University of South Australia on 13 May.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said that the Advanced Defence Technologies Training Academy will benefit all of Australia by enhancing knowledge and human capital to strengthen the nation's sovereign interests.
“The Academy will create a global hub for the defence industry and position Lot Fourteen as a world-class innovation hub,” Minister King said.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said: “The Academy aims to strengthen South Australia’s skills and talent pool while providing a unique place where research-supported environments benefit from deep industry expertise.”
Professor David Lloyd and Professor Peter Høj AC, co-Vice-Chancellors of Adelaide University, said that the Academy signals the role of the new Adelaide University as a national leader for defence and national security research and education.
“South Australia’s role as a trusted partner in a dynamic world is underpinned by a commitment to research in partnership with industry, ensuring that students at all levels experience the latest thinking and technology innovations in a way that sets them up for future success," Profs Lloyd and Høj said.
“The Advanced Defence Technologies Training Academy will be unique in Australia. It will offer new fit-for-purpose premises which universities do not currently have access to, including sophisticated secure zones.”
Funded through the Adelaide City Deal, the project reflects an equal and joint investment by the Australian and South Australian Governments, providing $30 million each. The Adelaide City Deal is a 10-year agreement between the Australian Government, the South Australian Government and the City of Adelaide to grow Adelaide as an innovative and vibrant city.
