PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER NEW FACILITIES UNDER ENHANCED LAND FORCE STAGE 2 FOR

QLD, NSW, VIC, SA AND THE ACT

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, today announced that the $1.4 billion Enhanced Land Force (ELF) 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 modern, purpose-built facilities as part of the Enhanced Land Force Initiative,” Dr Kelly said.

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

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

“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.

Major project elements propose the following:

·       Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Queensland: Around $820 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works include training and accommodation facilities and upgrades to base infrastructure.

·       Townsville Field Training Area, Townsville, Queensland: Around $7 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works include new training facilities and additional training ranges.

·       Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Queensland: Around $70 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works include new training facilities, additional training ranges, and an additional Minor Retail Facility for the Defence Explosive Ordnance Service.

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

·       Greenbank Training Area, Brisbane, Queensland: Around $100 million will be invested in facilities.  Greenbank Training Area is located 54 kilometres from the centre of Brisbane City and 40 minutes drive from both Gallipoli Barracks and RAAF Base Amberley. 

·       RAAF Base Amberley, Ipswich, Queensland: Around $7 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works include new training facilities and working accommodation.

·       Kokoda Barracks, Canungra, Queensland: Around $72 million will be invested in facilities.  The proposed works include new training and living in accommodation facilities.

·       Lone Pine Barracks, Singleton, New South Wales: Around $145 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works involve provision of facilities to support the School of Infantry including upgrading the training area and engineering services.

·       Garden Island, Sydney, New South Wales: Around $1 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works at Garden Island include construction of working accommodation and a central dispensing facility.

·       HMAS Penguin, Sydney, New South Wales: Around $3 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works at HMAS Penguin will provide working accommodation and training facilities.

·       Royal Military College, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Around $37 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works include new accommodation and upgrades to training facilities at the Majura Training Area.

·       Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria. Around $13 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed work will provide a facility for the Defence Explosive Ordnance Service.

·       Simpson Barracks, Watsonia, Victoria: Around $19 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works involves the provision of training facilities, and associated infrastructure.

·       RAAF Base Edinburgh, Adelaide, South Australia. Around $33 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works will provide training facilities at the Land Warfare Centre’s Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

·       Cultana Training Area, South Australia. Around $55 million will be invested in facilities. The proposed works include improvements to training facilities, camp accommodation and environmental sustainability works.

Further Information: 

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