Singapore good for our defence, jobs: govt

Singapore is good for Australia's defence and also for jobs and small business with its planned $2.25 billion investment in improving training areas, Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne has told parliament.

Singapore plans to spend about $1 billion upgrading facilities at Shoalwater Bay Training Area and the same at Townsville field training area, to allow training of more of its troops for a longer period each year.

"It will create jobs and it will create growth in that part of Queensland," Mr Pyne said, adding it was also a vital investment in military infrastructure and defence capability.