BUDGET 2009-10

$147.2 Million in Defence INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

The Rudd Government today announced total funding of $147.2 million in the 2009‑10 Budget to maintain, upgrade and provide new Defence facilities in the Australian Capital Territory.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said “The Rudd Government’s commitment of $147.2 million in the 2009-10 Budget includes $119.2 million for approved Defence facilities projects, and $28 million for Defence estate upkeep in the ACT.”

“This is a significant investment in Defence infrastructure that will also benefit jobs and the economy in the Australian Capital Territory,” 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 the ACT, including environmental remediation work.

Capital infrastructure—significant projects

Key capital works projects for which $119.2 million of funding is allocated in 2009-10 include:

–               $38.0 million in the 2009-10 Budget for works to continue on the $83.6 million redevelopment project at HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay.  This will refurbish engineering services and infrastructure, classrooms, office and living-in accommodation and specialised training facilities. Completion is scheduled for mid 2011;

–               $8.0 million in the 2009-10 Budget to refurbish working accommodation on the $25.1 million Defence Signals Directorate ACT Accommodation project;

–               $70.8 million in the 2009-10 Budget for works at HMAS Harman as part of the $111.1 million ‘Defence facilities at HMAS Harman and other locations’ project.  Completion is scheduled for late 2010; and

–               $2.4 million in 2009-10 for approved medium capital works at the Majura Field Training Area (see Table B). 

(See Table A for a complete list)

Estate Upkeep

During 2009-10, Defence will spend around $28.0 million on estate upkeep in the ACT.

“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, focussing on areas of highest priority,” Dr Kelly said.

Works to be undertaken as part of the program in the ACT include:

·        installation of access security including CCTV at entry points to ADFA;

·        land remediation and erosion control works at Majura Training Area; and

·        installation of air conditioning in the Geddes Office building at the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

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 ACT Major Capital Facilities Projects

Notes

1.     Defence Facilities at HMAS Harman and other locations has an approved budget of $111.1m covering two locations, one in the Australian Capital Territory and one in Victoria.

Table B. Approved ACT Medium Capital Facilities