BUDGET 2009-10

$155.0 MILLION IN DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Rudd Government today announced total funding of $155.0 million in the 2009‑10 Budget to maintain, upgrade and provide new Defence facilities in Western Australia.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said “The Rudd Government’s commitment of $155.0 million in 2009-10 includes $115.3 million for approved Defence facilities projects, and $39.7 million for Defence estate upkeep.”

“This is a significant investment in Defence infrastructure that will also benefit jobs and the Western Australian 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 across Western Australia.

Capital infrastructure—significant projects

Key capital works projects for which $115.3 million is allocated in 2009-10 include:

–               $80.0 million in 2009-10 to continue work on the $142.2 million RAAF Base Pearce Redevelopment Stage 1 project.  This project will construct new and refurbished works for engineering services, a fuel farm, aircraft movements and maintenance facilities, a combined mess and living-in accommodation.  Construction commenced in 2008 and is scheduled for completion in 2011.

–               $16.0 million to continue work at RAAF Base Pearce as part of the $268.2 million Heavy Airlift Capability Permanent Facilities project.  This project includes upgrading of airfield pavements, movements and cargo facilities and supporting infrastructure.  Construction commenced in 2008 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.

–               $5.0 million for works at Campbell Barracks to proceed on the $793.1 million Enhanced Land Force Facilities Stage 1 project. The primary aim of this project is to provide modern purpose-built facilities and supporting infrastructure for the relocation of the 3^rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment from Sydney to Townsville, but it also includes the construction of new and upgraded facilities and infrastructure at Defence sites across five states, including Western Australia.

–               $14.3 million in 2009-10 will be spent on approved medium capital works at Garden Island, Campbell Barracks and the Bindoon Training Range (see Table B). 

(see Table A for a complete list)

Estate Upkeep

During 2009-10, Defence will spend around $39.7 million on estate upkeep in Western Australia.

“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 Western Australia include:

• repairs and modifications to the bulk fuel installation at HMAS Stirling;
• remediation of the base supervisory system to enhance emergency response at HMAS Stirling; and
• replacement of in-ground cabling for target systems at Bindoon Training 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 WA Major Capital Facilities Projects

Notes

1.     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.

2.     The Heavy Airlift Capability – Permanent Facilities project has an approved budget of $268.2m covering five locations, RAAF Amberley, RAAF Edinburgh, RAAF Darwin, RAAF Townsville and RAAF Pearce.

3.     This project crosses state boundaries. The expenditure estimate for 2009-10 is provided in the table.

Table B. Approved WA Medium Capital Facilities