Singapore 's armed forces say they are keen to continue militaryexercises at Shoalwater Bay, in central Queensland, and are notconcerned about a proposed Coal port.

    Rockhampton Mayor Bard Carter has returned from a trip toSingapore, where the Government expressed a desire to renew anagreement that is due to expire next year.

    Councillor Carter says Singapore's armed forces are confident thata coal project can be developed without affecting their militarytraining activities at Showalwater Bay.

    He says the exercises in central Queensland are very important toSingapore.

    "Shoalwater Bay is actually the second largest training activityafter Taiwan," he said.

    "Because of the importance Singapore places on national defence andsecurity, they are very, very keen to continue with their exercisesin Shoalwater Bay.

    "One of the things that impresses them is the wonderful trainingfacilities that they have access to and the very warm receptionthat they get from the Rockhampton and central Queenslandcommunity."

    Tags: defence-forces, local-government, rockhampton-4700, shoalwater-4702