Fiji to approach Australia for upgrade of specific sites in Black Rock Camp

Fiji will begin to approach development partners like Australia to consider funding the development of specific project sites within the Black Rock Camp model plan.

This was revealed by Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola while meeting with the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Concetta Fierravanti‑Wells.

Kubuabola held bilateral discussions on the Defence Cooperation Programme and also invited Wells to explore the opportunities and potential of setting up a Regional Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Centre in Black Rock.

He adds that Fiji will pursue the establishment of the Regional Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Centre and hopes development partners will join efforts and look at a specific component of the model to support.

The Black Rock Camp is currently used for pre‑deployment training and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response evacuation purposes when the need arises.

Kubuabola says it has a great potential to serve the nation and region and the Defense ministry has an innovative development plan which he hopes will be supported.

Black Rock Integrated Peacekeeping Centre has been allocated  $1.39 million in the 2017-2018 national budget.