BUDGET 2009-10

$271.7 MILLION IN DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING FOR NEW SOUTH WALES

The Rudd Government today announced funding of $271.7 million in the 2009-10 Budget to maintain, upgrade and provide new Defence facilities in New South Wales.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said “The Rudd Government’s commitment of $271.7 million in the 2009-10 Budget includes $141.1 million for approved Defence facilities projects, and $130.6 million for Defence estate upkeep.”

“This is a significant investment in Defence infrastructure that also invests in jobs and the New South Wales economy,” said Mr Fitzgibbon. 

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, said that the expenditure would cover a number of projects in New South Wales. 

Capital infrastructure—significant projects

Key capital works projects for which $141.1 million has been allocated in 2009-10 include (see Table A for a complete list):

–               $21.0 million in 2009-10 for work to continue at HMAS Albatross on the $137.2 million Multi Role Helicopter Facilities project. This project will support the introduction of the Multi Role Helicopter aircraft and will involve a mix of new facilities, refurbishment and adaptive reuse of existing facilities. The project is scheduled for completion in 2010.

–               $13.0 million in 2009-10 to continue work on the $207.7 million Special Operations Working Accommodation and Base Redevelopment Stage 1 project at Holsworthy Barracks.  This includes support facilities and base infrastructure upgrades.  The project is scheduled for completion in 2010.

–               $6.0 million in 2009-10 to continue work on the $92 million Holsworthy 171 Aviation Squadron Relocation project.  This will provide new permanent facilities to support the squadron after it relocates from Townsville to Holsworthy.  The project is scheduled for completion in early 2010.

–               $9.3 million at RAAF Base Richmond, $14 million at Holsworthy, $25.0 million at Singleton and $42.3 million at Kapooka for works to proceed on the $793.1 million Enhanced Land Force Facilities Stage 1 project. The project will provide modern purpose-built facilities and support infrastructure for the relocation of the 3^rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment from Sydney to Townsville. It also involves the construction of new and upgraded facilities and infrastructure at Defence sites across five states.

–               $3.8 million in 2009-10 for approved medium capital works at Randwick, Orchard Hills and HMAS Watson (see Table B). 

Estate Upkeep

During 2009-10, Defence will spend around $130.6 million on estate upkeep in New South Wales.

“Estate upkeep works provide for the ongoing maintenance of Defence’s extensive existing base infrastructure, with a rolling maintenance program being developed and revised each year, focusing on areas of highest priority,” Dr Kelly said.

Works to be undertaken as part of the program in New South Wales include:

·        maintenance to ship berths at Garden Island;

·        refurbishment of water mains at HMAS Albatross; and

·        upgrade of living accommodation for soldiers at Singleton Military Area.

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):         02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):                          02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220

Defence Media Liaison:                                       02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

Attachment A

Table A. Approved NSW Major Capital Facilities Projects

Notes

1.     The Multi Role Helicopter Facilities project has an approved budget of $168.7m (includes $31.5m for simulation facilities being delivered by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and is reported by DMO) covering four locations, HMAS Albatross (Nowra), RAAF Townsville, the Army Aviation Centre (Oakey and Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera (Brisbane).

2.     Enhanced Land Force – Facilities Stage 1 has an approved budget of $793.1m covering ten locations: RAAF Richmond, Holsworthy, Singleton, Kapooka, Puckapunyal, Amberley, Townsville, Townsville Field Training Area (High Range), RAAF Edinburgh and Campbell Barracks.

3.     These projects cross state boundaries. Expenditure estimates for 2009-10 are provided in the table per location.

Table B. Approved NSW Medium Capital Facilities