The Hon Darren Chester MP
12 Feb 16
Release details
Release type
Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Darren Chester MP
Assistant Minister for Defence
Media contact
- Brie Colley (Mr Chester’s office) (02) 6277 4029
- James Cannon (Tribunal) 0433 884 238
- Defence Media (02) 6127 1999
Release content
17 July 2014
The $1.477 billion New Air Combat Capability Facilities Project has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Darren Chester announced today.
Mr Chester said the facilities project supported the acquisition of 72 new F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
“This project will provide new and upgraded facilities and infrastructure at RAAF Bases Williamtown, Tindal, Townsville, Darwin, Curtin, Scherger, Learmonth, Pearce and Edinburgh, and Defence Establishment Myambat,” Mr Chester said.
“The project will provide 3 Squadron, 2 Operational Conversion Unit and 77 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown, and 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal with the facilities they need to train, operate and maintain the F35-A aircraft.
“This project will offer strong economic benefits for local industry across the country, predominantly in the Newcastle and Katherine regions, with potential involvement for local sub-contractors to be part of the development,” he said.
Subject to Parliamentary approval of the project, construction is expected to begin in 2015 and be completed by 2022.
The F-35A will provide Australia with a fifth generation aircraft capability to enable air superiority into the future.
Media contacts:
Chloe Petch (Darren Chester’s office) 0477 395 356
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999