THE Commonwealth government and University of Tasmania are set to sign an agreement for a new $30m Defence and Maritime Innovation and Design Precinct at the Australian Maritime College.

The funding was an election promise by PM Scott Morrison.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds told The Examiner the agreement between Defence and UTAS would expand the capability of the AMC.

The funding agreement is to include $3m in 2020-21, $15m in 2021-22 and $12m in 2022-23.

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“I’m pleased to deliver this funding to develop the Defence and Maritime Innovation and Design Precinct at the University’s Newnham Campus in Launceston,” Senator Reynolds said.

AMC principal Michael van Balen said there was potential for further funding through UTAS including via industry partnerships.

“AMC’s suite of maritime engineering and hydrodynamics test and experimentation facilities and researcher expertise is unique in Australia and will provide the core from which to establish the DMIDP,” Mr van Balen said.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said it was critical that Australia harness the skills, talents and expertise of the entire innovation network.

Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer said the partnership would create nearly 60 local jobs during the construction program.