51 NEW homes for Defence families in mcDowall

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 construction of 51 Defence family homes in the Brisbane suburb of McDowall.

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

“This construction project by Defence Housing Australia (DHA) will assist in meeting the accommodation needs of Australian Defence Force members and their families posted to the Brisbane region. The housing will be ideally located for Defence personnel working at the Enoggera Army Base,” said Mr Combet.

"DHA has consulted widely with the local community and responded to the concerns raised by local residents resulting in a plan that better suits the needs of the community," he said.

The construction of the homes will be sourced through a select tender process to pre-qualified builders and in line with Defence and community standards.

“The residential construction development project in McDowall is one of many projects currently underway in South East Queensland to fulfil the need for quality accommodation for Defence members and their families,” said Mr Combet.

Dr Kelly said “a residential construction project of this scale in Brisbane can only have a positive effect on everyone involved. It will strongly support the building industry ensuring local jobs and supporting the community.”

“The development will be named the Gordon Olive Estate to honour the memory of former Brisbane born Battle of Britain pilot and distinguished community figure, Gordon Olive CBE, who died in 1987,” he said.

Construction of this development will commence in early 2010.

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