MULTI-ROLE HELICOPTER FACILITIES

GIVEN ‘GO AHEAD’ BY PARLIAMENT

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, announced today that a major project to construct facilities for the new Multi-Role Helicopter would start later this year.

The Multi-Role Helicopter Facilities Project will provide operational, maintenance and training infrastructure to support the introduction and operation of the aircraft.

“The facilities will be constructed at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW, RAAF Base Townsville in QLD and the Army Aviation Centre in Oakey, QLD. The works will also include new headquarters for 16th Aviation Brigade and elements of the Defence Materiel Organisation at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Where possible, existing facilities will be reconfigured and upgraded and state of the art mission planning and computer based training facilities will be included.”

The Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public works has recommended the $168.7 million proposal to construct facilities for the new Multi-Role Helicopter proceed and this recommendation has been approved by Parliament.

Construction is planned to commence in late 2008 and be completed by late 2010.

Media contacts:

Jack Smith (Joel Fitzgibbon):                              02 6277 7800 or 0418 116 423

Defence Media Liaison:                                       02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664