HARDENED AND NETWORKED ARMY FACILITIES project at edinburgh south australia given go ahead

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, and the Federal Member for Wakefield, Nick Champion MP, today announced that the construction of new facilities at Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Adelaide, will start later this year.

The facilities are being constructed to enable the 7^th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR) to move from Darwin to South Australia.

The proposed works also include a significant upgrade to infrastructure at Edinburgh Defence Precinct.

The Minister said the works were part of the Government’s Hardened and Networked Army initiative.  This initiative will allow the Army to operate better into the future.  It will greatly strengthen the Army’s protection, mobility, fire power and communications.  It will allow operations in more complex, dangerous and uncertain environments.

The project includes working accommodation, training facilities, a driver training area, a vehicle wash point and common user facilities for both Army and RAAF including health, messing, fitness and community facilities as well as extensive site infrastructure works.

“Construction of the facilities will deliver economic benefits for South Australia and provide a popular posting location for Army personnel,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public Works has recommended the $623.68 million proposal proceed and this recommendation has been approved by Parliament.

 “The Hardened and Networked Army initiative will increase options for Government, in terms of both the combat weight of the force that can be deployed and the duration that forces can be sustained on operations,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“I am very pleased that such a significant construction project is going ahead in the northern suburbs,” Mr Champion said.

“The 7RAR regiment and their families will be a welcome addition to the community.”

Construction is planned to commence in late 2008 and completed by 2011.  Once the new facilities are built, 7RAR will relocate to South Australia along with supporting artillery, combat engineer and logistics troops.  Progressive completion of key facilities is planned to enable Army units to relocate to Adelaide starting in January 2011. 

Media contacts:

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

Defence Media Liaison:                                       02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664