BUDGET 2009-10

$10.6 Million in Defence INFRASTRUCTURE spending for Tasmania

The Rudd Government today announced total funding of $10.6 million in the 2009‑10 Budget to maintain, upgrade and provide new Defence facilities in Tasmania.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, said “The Rudd Government’s commitment of $10.6 million in the 2009-10 Budget includes $5.8 million new Defence facilities and projects, and $4.8 million for Defence estate upkeep.”

“This is a significant investment in Defence infrastructure that will also benefit jobs and the Tasmanian economy.”

Dr Kelly said that the expenditure would cover a number of projects in Tasmania, including asbestos and environmental remediation.

Capital infrastructure—significant projects

In 2009-10, spending on approved medium capital works facilities totals $5.8 million at Fort Direction (see Table A).  The $6.4 million Explosive Ordnance Storage Upgrade project will provide new facilities for the storage of explosive ordnance and improve security and occupational health and safety at the base. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2010.

Estate Upkeep

In 2009-10, Defence will spend around $4.8 million on estate upkeep in Tasmania.

“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 Tasmania include:

·        remediation of fuel contamination at Anglesea Barracks;

·        fire management and environmental protection works at Buckland Training Area; and

·        asbestos remediation at Derwent Barracks.

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 TAS Medium Capital Facilities