BlueZone Group Supports NSW Inquiry into the Defence Industry
BlueZone Group has presented at the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into the Defence Industry in New South Wales. BlueZone Group CEO, Neil Hodges, attended as one of three industry representatives together with Chris Jenkins (CEO Thales Australia) and Mark Burgess (CEO Quickstep).
Neil said that the future marine battlespace will include remote-controlled and autonomous surface and underwater vehicles. “This technology is a key strategic advantage for the defence of Australia with vast marine areas to monitor and patrol,” said Neil, “Companies such as the BlueZone Group have over 15-years’ experience in support and maintenance of this technology and we should use leverage this further develop a strategic industry capability to support our defence forces.”
BlueZone Group was originally found at ATSA Defence Services in 2000 as a ‘start-up’ resulting from the $1bn Minehunter Coastal Project that saw six ships constructed 1994 to 2000 in Newcastle, NSW. BlueZone now nearly 40 staff in 3 locations nationwide in high-tech, leading-edge jobs with diverse markets.
Neil said that the Australian Defence Force is a high-technology buyer, and defence projects must be considered as a potential initiator for start-up companies. “Local start-ups are a ‘win-win’ – better support from industry to Defence to adapt to local conditions and sustainable job creation,” said Neil.
The New Normal (514 KB)
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| BlueZone Group staff have worked closely with Navy since 2000 including conduct of maintainer training for the Double Eagle Mine Disposal System at workshops in Newcastle, NSW. |
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| BlueZone Group companies support a range of underwater technologies for the Navy including the Wave Glider Autonomous Surface Vehicle. |
