$58.7 million raaf base tindal redevelopment stage 5 in northern territory given go ahead by parliament

Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, and Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, announced today a major redevelopment for RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.

“Many of the facilities at the Base are now inadequate to meet the demands placed upon them and many are also in need of refurbishment,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The redevelopment will be a mixture of new facilities, refurbishment and extensions to existing facilities.  It will include upgrades to the Base engineering services, aircraft maintenance facilities, warehousing, new fuel tanker maintenance and liquid dry breathing oxygen facilities as well as catering and messing improvements.

The Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public works has recommended the $58.7 million proposal proceed and this recommendation has been approved by Parliament.

“RAAF Base Tindal is a critical piece of Defence infrastructure that supports a key part of Australia’s air power strategy.  This redevelopment will ensure that capability is delivered into the future,” Dr Kelly said.

Construction is planned to commence in mid 2009 and be completed in mid 2011.

Media contacts:

Jack Smith (Joel Fitzgibbon):             02 6277 7800 or 0408 116 423

Defence Media Liaison:                     02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664