The Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, announced today that the Government will spend $793.1 million to construct new facilities and supporting infrastructure at Defence bases around Australia.
“This significant $793 million infrastructure project will deliver new facilities in support of the Army’s Enhanced Land Force Stage 1 capabilities, particularly for the relocation of the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment from Sydney to Townsville,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“The project will provide new facilities and infrastructure at Kapooka, Singleton, Holsworthy and Puckapunyal for associated training. Facilities will also be provided at RAAF Bases Amberley, Edinburgh and Richmond for increased joint enabling elements resulting from the establishment of enhanced land force capabilities,” Dr Kelly said.
Mr Fitzgibbon said the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works had recommended that the Enhanced Land Force Stage 1 project proceed.
“Apart from meeting Defence capability and infrastructure needs, this project will directly contribute to job creation around Australia,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Major project elements include:
– New facilities at Lavarack Barracks and the Field Training Area, Townsville, for the relocation of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment;
– Refurbished facilities at Campbell Barracks, Perth, WA, for the Special Air Service Regiment;
– New facilities at Kapooka, NSW, for the Army Recruit Training Centre;
– Additional facilities at Singleton, NSW, for the School of Infantry;
– Additional facilities at Puckapunyal, VIC, for the School of Artillery;
– Additional facilities at the Liverpool Military Area, NSW, for the School of Military Engineering and for the Trainee Rehabilitation Wing;
– New facilities at RAAF Amberley, QLD, for the relocation of Army’s 21st Airfield Construction Squadron;
– New facilities at RAAF Amberley, QLD, for the Royal Australian Air Force Airfield Defence Squadron;
– Refurbished facilities at RAAF Richmond, NSW, for No 37 Squadron, No 1 Operational Support Squadron and No 1 Combat Communication Squadron; and
– Additional facilities at RAAF Edinburgh, SA, for Joint Logistics Unit (South).
Construction is planned to commence in mid 2009 and be completed in late 2011.
