Singapore plans to more than double the number of troops training in Australia and triple the time they can spend training as a key part of significant upgrade to already strong military ties.
Under a new agreement announced Friday, Australia and Singapore will also upgrade the 2003 free trade agreement, with a package of measures to boost trade, economic and defence co-operation and collaboration in innovation and scientific research.
Under the new military arrangements, Singapore will pay $2.25 billion to upgrade facilities at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Townsville Field Training Areas, for use by up to 14,000 troops for 18 weeks each year.
Singapore, which lacks its own space for military training, has long used Australian facilities and under existing arrangements can train up to 6000 troops for six weeks a year.
The new agreement on Singapore use of Australian bases will run for 25 years.
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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said this new strategic partnership would generate its own construction boom in North Queensland, with local builders and engineers constructing roads, accommodation and infrastructure for the Singaporean Defence Forces.
Although Singapore is funding this work, it will remain Australian property and available for use by the Australian Defence Force. All construction will be conducted through Australian tendering procedures.
The Singapore military conducts extensive but low key training in Australia, on its own and in conjunction with the ADF and others.
Its jet pilots train at RAAF Pearce, Western Australian, and helicopter pilots at the Australian Army Aviation Centre at Oakey, Queensland.
Singapore conducted the first of the annual Exercise Wallaby series at Shoalwater Bay in 1990. That involves combined training of infantry, tanks, armoured vehicles, helicopters and jet aircraft, including live firing. Between exercises, armoured vehicles are warehoused in Rockhampton.
Singapore is already Australia's fifth-largest trading partner, with $28.5 billion in two-way trade.
Mr Turnbull said Singapore and Australia had agreed to a substantial new package of bilateral co-operation initiatives, including cultural activities, tourism co-operation and a program to attract Singaporean investment in Northern Australia,
Australia will locate one of its five startup "landing pads" in Singapore to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting emerging Australian technology firms seeking to gain a foothold in Singapore and the wider Asian market.
There'll also be new reciprocal working holiday visas. Negotiations are continuing on a multiple entry long duration visa for Singaporeans who regularly visit Australia.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Singapore spending on defence facilities would be a massive boost for the region's economy and will hopefully lead to direct flights to Singapore.
