Minister for Defence

PETER LINDSAY MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence

BUDGET 2007-08

defence INVESTS $904.5 MILLION IN FACILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE

Defence bases around the country are being redeveloped and upgraded to ensure ADF personnel have the best possible facilities. 

Defence facilities will benefit from an injection of $904.5 million in 2007-08, including;

• $499.0 million worth of capital infrastructure projects in 2007-08 to deliver increased capability and improved support for the Australian Defence Force; and
• $405.5 million on estate upkeep to maintain Defence’s extensive existing base infrastructure.

Spending in 2007-08 includes:

·        $108.6 million for three projects to address civil works, building construction, engineering services and base infrastructure upgrades at Holsworthy, Sydney.  The projects provide working accommodation, training facilities, and supporting infrastructure for Special Forces units and includes the relocation of the 171^st Aviation Squadron from Townsville to Sydney.  The total cost of the projects is $393.7 million over the life of the projects.

·        $63.0 million for base trunk engineering services, civil works and infrastructure upgrades at RAAF Amberley, QLD.  The project provides base trunk engineering services and infrastructure upgrades, working accommodation, workshops, and airside infrastructure upgrades to support the introduction of the multi role tanker transport capability and the relocation of the 9^th Force Support Battalion. The total project cost is $285.6 million over the life of the project.

·        $50.0 million for base infrastructure upgrades and construction of facilities and accommodation at RAAF East Sale, Victoria and RAAF Wagga, NSW.  The project provides for working accommodation, training facilities and living accommodation for students and staff to allow the relocation from RAAF College at RAAF Williams, VIC and RAAF Edinburgh, SA.  The total project cost is $133.4 million over the life of the project.

·        $45.0 million for construction for operational and support infrastructure at HMAS Cairns, QLD.  The project will provide new and refurbished facilities, additional berths and shore services for all home-ported vessels. The total project cost is $76.3 million over the life of the project.

·        $43.8 million to equip the new Headquarters Joint Operations Command facility near Bungendore, New South Wales.  The project will provide the Headquarters with command, control, communications, computing and intelligence systems.  The total project cost is $80.9 million over the life of the project.

·        $19.5 million for supporting base infrastructure upgrades and working accommodation construction at Kokoda Barracks Canungra, QLD.  The project provides for upgraded training, messing, and living-in accommodation.  The total cost is $86.7 million over the life of the project.

·        $14.4 million for new and refurbished facilities to support the introduction of the new troop lift helicopters at RAAF Townsville, QLD.  The project provides refurbishment of aircraft shelters, workshops and parts stores, and other supporting infrastructure.  The total project cost is $20.0 million over the life of the project. 

·        $13.7 million for construction of ordnance loading aprons at RAAF Williamtown, NSW.  The project has provided a major upgrade to base infrastructure and engineering systems, and working accommodation.  These works are complete.  The total project cost is $129.2 million over the life of the project.

·        A further $141 million will be expended on other major and medium facilities projects throughout Australia.

The Government will also continue its commitment to fast track the $207.2 million stage 4 redevelopment of Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. Subject to Parliamentary clearance, construction is expected to start in late 2007 and be completed by 2011.

The Government is also committed to providing new facilities to support the Hardened and Networked Army and Enhanced Land Force initiatives and a number of proposals for single living accommodation as part of the Single Living and Environment Accommodation Precinct Phase 2 project.  These initiatives are currently being developed for the required approvals and Parliamentary clearance.  

Estate Upkeep

Further to the capital expenditure spending, Defence will spend $405.5 million on estate upkeep. This money will be spent on maintaining Defence’s extensive existing base infrastructure, including airfields, naval bases, barracks, training ranges, cadet facilities and fuel farms.  Funds will also be used to meet community environmental and occupational health and safety regulatory requirements.  The program of estate upkeep works will be developed each year with projects focusing on the areas of highest priority.

Examples of works to be undertaken include:

·        refurbishment of living-in accommodation for soldiers, sailors and airmen;

·        maintenance of airfield pavements and lighting;

·        environmental monitoring and management works at Defence ranges and training areas;

·        the renewal of in-ground services such as communications cabling, electrical reticulation and sewers;

·        further enhancement of security at Defence bases;

·        an extensive program of asbestos removal at Defence facilities; and

·        repairs to fuel storage facilities.

Media contacts

www.defence.gov.au

Defence investment in facilities infrastructure – Supporting Information

Why is this important?

• The redevelopment and upgrade of Australian Defence Force bases is important to ensure Australian Defence Force personnel have the best possible facilities, which will provide capability to enhance effectiveness of the current force and to build the force of the future.

Who will benefit?

• The Australian community, through a more capable Defence Force.
• The Australian Defence Force, through increased capability and improved support, as well as extensive enhancements to base infrastructure such as security upgrades, asbestos removal, and maintenance of airfields, naval bases, barracks, training ranges, cadet facilities and fuel farms.
• Australian Defence force personnel, through upgrades to on-base living-in accommodation and safer working environments.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

• Defence will spend $904.5 million including $499 million in infrastructure projects and $405.5 million in infrastructure improvements for 2007-08. 
• Defence continues to build on government’s commitment to upgrading the Defence Estate.
• In addition to the estate upkeep elements detailed in the state media releases, an additional estimated $25.9m of estate upkeep projects will be delivered on a national basis.

What have we done in the past?

• As the Defence Estate is a fundamental input to capability, Defence has allocated its upgrade, redevelopment and maintenance as high priorities. 
• The Government expects to spend $546.0 million on capital facilities in 2006-07 and spent $ 380.0 million in 2005-06, in addition to its expenditure on estate upkeep. 

When will the initiative conclude?

• This initiative reflects an ongoing program of new facilities and maintenance of existing facilities to enhance the current force and to build the force of the future.