New Defence science facility to boost port security
by Ernie Davitt, National Affairs Editor, ASM
A new $8.5 million Defence research facility in Sydney is to play a major role in assessing security risks at Australia’s busiest seaports, including development of counter-terrorism measures.
The new Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) facility in Redfern, which opened in mid-August, will allow scientists to carry out simulated attacks on Sydney Harbour and other ports.
Federal Defence Science Minister Warren Snowdon said Australia’s ports and harbours were vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
“Not only are Navy assets and Australian lives at risk from a terrorist attack on our seaports, there will be clearly a significant impact on Australia’s international trade and economy if such an attack were to take place,” he said.
Speaking at the opening of the new DSTO research facility at the Australian Technology Park in Redfern, Mr Snowdon said advanced simulation laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment in the new facility would enable DSTO to assess security risks at our seaports, explore threat scenarios and develop measures to counteract them.
“The security of our ports is critical to the Australian economy,” Mr Snowdon said.
“DSTO is using sophisticated visualisation software representing Sydney Harbour, Port Botany and the Port of Brisbane to scan for security weaknesses and improve situational awareness.
“This maritime security research program builds on DSTO’s world-class capability in maritime operations analysis, mine warfare and coastal warfare systems.”
The new facility will also assist Navy in its future maritime program involving the three planned Air Warfare Destroyers and two amphibious ships – the largest assets ever to be operated by the Australian Navy.
“The Government is keen to ensure that DSTO facilities are fully geared to meet the operational needs of Defence, with access to modern technology and leading edge capabilities,” Mr Snowdon said.
“For 100 years now our defence scientists have proven they can deliver innovative technology solutions for the ADF, including some world-leading developments in science.”
Mr Snowdon mentioned the Jindalee Over-the-Horizon radar, Barra sonobuoy, Nulka anti-ship missile decoy, the Australian minesweeping system, the LADS laser hydrographic survey tool, the black box flight recorder, aircraft fatigue testing and composite bonded repair technology as some of DSTO’s most famous inventions.
To mark the opening of DSTO Sydney, Mr Snowdon launched a book on the history of defence science (A Century of Australian Defence Science) and a companion volume on DSTO’s Top Ten Science & Technology Reports.