Federal assistant defence minister Michael McCormack was impressed with the quality of workmanship and diversity of manufacturing during a visit to Steber International's Taree factory complex.
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Mr McCormack visited the factory as part of a tour of the Lyne Electorate with sitting member, Dr David Gillespie.
During the visit, Mr McCormack inspected a new 28ft vessel for a private Victoria client just prior to launch, as well as a new 38ft craft being completed for Port Macquarie Marine Rescue and due for delivery next month.
General manager Alan Steber said both men were impressed with the finish and detail of the vessels, along with others on the production line.
Mr McCormack also inspected the full scale model of the 3.5m Bluebottle surface surveillance drone which is currently under development.
He witnessed work start on the 5.6m Bluebottle version, aptly name Bruce, after founder Bruce Steber, Bruce Heggie from the NSW South Coast and the character from the movie Finding Nemo.
This new Bluebottle is being developed under an Australian Defence Department CTD (Capability Technology Demonstrator vessel) program with a brief to produce a world-first unmanned surface surveillance vessel to detect submarines.
Interestingly the hull design is by the naval architect of repeat Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner Wild Oats.
Dr Gillespie was full of praise for Steber's manufacturing excellence and growing export capacity and noted that the company's ongoing research and development program will help ensure Steber's continued growth and success.
Dr Gillespie and Mr McCormack also visited the Taree Australian Army Cadet barracks based on Muldoon Street.
Dr Gillespie discussed possible assistance that could be given to Taree cadets in an attempt to go to New Zealand in 2018 for a commemorative tour.
The potential 2018 tour would occur 100 years on from the end of World War I during November, and would include visits to the New Zealand cadet forces based in Christchurch.