PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER NEW FACILITIES AT WIDE BAY TRAINING AREA NEAR GYMPIE, QLD
AND OTHER DEFENCE BASES

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, today announced that the $1.4 billion Enhanced Land Force Stage 2 infrastructure project has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration.

“The project will give the Australian Defence Force (ADF) modern, purpose-built facilities as part of the Enhanced Land Force Initiative,” said Dr Kelly.

“This initiative will increase the capacity of the land force by raising two additional infantry battle groups.”

Around $75 million will be invested in facilities at Wide Bay Training Area near Gympie, Queensland.  The proposed works include new training facilities and upgrades to base infrastructure.

“The ELF Stage 2 project includes refurbished facilities, construction and infrastructure upgrades at Defence sites across QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and the ACT,” said Dr Kelly.

“Apart from meeting Defence capability and infrastructure needs, this project will directly contribute to job creation around Australia.”

Subject to Parliamentary clearance, the project is scheduled to commence in mid 2010 and be completed by late 2014.

Further details of the proposed works under the ELF program can be obtained from the Public Works Committee web site at: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/pwc/enhancedlandforce/

Media contacts:

Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):             02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664