$364.4 MILLION IN 2007-08 DEFENCE FUNDING FOR HERBERT

The strong Defence presence in Herbert includes a wide range of Australian Defence Force units at Lavarack Barracks, Jezzine Barracks, RAAF Townsville and Ross Island .

The Australian Government through Defence will maintain its strong support to the economy of Herbert based on a continuing significant military presence. The current military population of the electorate includes over 6,500 ADF members, Defence civilians and ADF cadets. Defence families make up an integral part of the Herbert community.

The Government will continue to make an extensive financial contribution of around $350.0 million in 2007-08, to the funding of both Defence facilities and personnel serving in Herbert. In addition in 2007-08 a further $14.4 million will be allocated for capital facilities funding.

Valuing our Personnel:

As part of the ongoing commitment to supporting and valuing our ADF personnel and their families the following improvements will be made:

a modern and more flexible pay structure for other ranks;
a new home loans assistance package with higher subsidies and greater choice to encourage home ownership and provide for higher benefits as members serve on for longer periods;
creating a transition and career advice function within Defence Force Recruiting to assist those who might be considering alternative careers;
investment in the professional development of Defence medical officers;
better marketing to showcase the Navy, Army and Air Force as employers of choice;
the introduction of a new Defence Apprenticeship scheme to assist 16-17 year olds commence an apprenticeship and then join the ADF; and,
a boost to the Royal Australian Navy's Sea Change programme.

Local cadets will benefit from an expansion and enhancement of the Defence Force Cadet scheme - giving our young people the life, leadership and employability skills valued by employers and community leaders.

Facilities:

Defence facilities in Queensland will benefit from $239.5 million in funding for 2007-08.

$161.9 million has been allocated to approved Defence facilities projects. A further $77.6 million will be spent on Defence Estate upkeep works.

Approved capital facilities projects for Herbert include:

RAAF Townsville Troop Lift Helicopter Facilities

This project provides a combination of new and refurbished facilities to support the introduction of the new troop lift helicopter at the 5th Aviation Regiment. The new helicopter will be accommodated in the existing Regimental area. This will require modifications to existing aircraft shelters, workshops and parts store, and the construction of a new training facility, mission planning facility and other support facilities. Construction commenced in early 2007. All facilities are scheduled for completion in early 2008.

Jezzine Barracks

This year's Budget honours the Government's commitment to provide funding to support the redevelopment of Jezzine Barracks. On 1 August 2006 , the Prime Minister announced that the majority of the Jezzine Barracks site would be gifted to Townsville City Council. The Prime Minister further announced the Australian Government would provide $10.0 million if matched by Townsville City Council and a further $10.0 million if matched by the Queensland Government for heritage protection and community use. The two funding grants of $10.0 million by the Government are conditional on the Queensland Government and the Townsville City Council each providing $10.0 million .

Significant additional expenditure is expected to be announced during the year as further projects are considered for approval, including: the fast tracking of the $207.2 million Stage 4 redevelopment of Lavarack Barracks, and the Single Living Environment Accommodation Precinct Phase 2 proposal, also planned for Lavarack Barracks.

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