DEFENCE HOUSING PROJECT TO GO AHEAD AT LARRAKEYAH

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science and Dr Mike Kelly, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, today announced that the Government will proceed with the redevelopment of 97 new on base homes at Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin.

The Public Works Committee (PWC) recommended the commencement of this project on 24 November 2009.

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is working with the Department of Defence to upgrade the housing to bring it up to the standard of the Department of Defence’s New Housing Classification Policy.

“This is a great opportunity to increase the numbers of houses on-base and reduce pressure on the extremely tight Darwin housing market,” said Mr Combet.

“The new homes will be built with passive solar design and materials to maximise the environmental benefits and suit Darwin’s tropical conditions,” he said.

"DHA has consulted widely with on-base and nearby residents to address any concerns with the redevelopment, and they have been in close contact with those Defence families that need to relocate as a result of the redevelopment," Dr Kelly said.

“There would also be a positive impact on the local construction industry with increased employment opportunities,” he said.

The construction project will replace 61 existing houses with 97 new homes for Australian Defence Force members and their families at an estimated cost of $52.4 million.

The redevelopment will commence in mid 2010.

DHA currently manages approximately 1,800 houses in Darwin, with 131 houses at Larrakeyah Barracks.

Media contacts:

Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):                          02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619

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

Defence Media Liaison:                               02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664