$268.2 MILLION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT FOR C-17s

GIVEN ‘GO AHEAD’ BY PARLIAMENT

I am pleased to announce that the C-17 Heavy Air Lift Infrastructure Project, has been recommended to proceed by the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public Works and that this recommendation has been approved by Parliament.

The works are valued at $268.2 million and include new facilities and infrastructure.  Aircraft aprons, a headquarter building, an air movements terminal, a C-17 simulator precinct and a warehouse will be provided at the aircraft’s home base, RAAF Base Amberley.

Aircraft pavements, air movement terminals and infrastructure will also be provided at RAAF Bases Darwin, Edinburgh, Pearce and Townsville, where the C-17s will operate.

The provision of this infrastructure will enhance the operational capability of C-17 aircraft and increase the Australian Defence Force’s ability to rapidly deploy military troops and equipment for military operations or disaster relief efforts.

Construction will commence in early 2008 and will generate a significant amount of short-term employment opportunities for skilled consultants, sub-contractors and construction workers in each of the five regions that encompass the home and deployment bases.

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