The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, the Hon Fran Bailey, says the public will soon be asked to comment on Defence’s proposed new operational headquarters near Bungendore.

"Defence values the input of local community groups in its programs and we anticipate that the feedback from the community will be invaluable in developing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the new headquarters," Ms Bailey said.

The company carrying out the independent EIS, URS Australia, has developed an extensive public consultation plan that includes:

• community meetings beginning at the end of March;
• a newsletter;
• discussions with local, State and Federal government agencies;
• advertisements in The Bungendore Bulletin, The Queanbeyan Age and The Canberra Times;
• Internet updates; and
• a 1-800 number and email address to enable a two-way exchange of information.. The phone number: 1-800 555 991 or email: hq_eis@urscorp.com

"URS expects to exhibit the draft EIS, for a six-week period beginning in July. During this time the public can provide additional comment, which will be assessed throughout the EIS process.

"The EIS is an important step towards the establishment of the new operational headquarters, officially known as Headquarters Australian Theatre.

"I would also like to thank the local federal member Gary Nairn MP for his continuing support for the project," said Ms Bailey.

The new high-tech facility will collocate seven agencies presently situated in, and on the outskirts of Sydney including the Maritime, Land and Air Headquarters.

For background information visit the Collocated Headquarters Australian Theatre website at http://www.defence.gov.au/dhq/thp/index.html

Media Contact: Matt Allen 02 6277 4433 or 0407 100 521