The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator David Feeney, announced today an $18.7 million project to redevelop the Defence Science & Technology Organisation’s nutrition research facility at Scottsdale.
The works include the redevelopment of food technology facilities, upgrades to existing chemistry and nutrition laboratories and improvements to site infrastructure and working areas.
“The redevelopment will result in a modern food science facility equipped to meet the future nutritional needs of ADF personnel,” Mr Snowdon said.
“The DSTO Scottsdale facility is vital for maintaining the nutritional and health status of Australian troops because it provides food and feeding regimes that enhance performance,” he said.
“The Government is fully committed to the modernisation and sustainment of this capability at Scottsdale and has demonstrated that by increasing the investment by $6.1 million over the original budget,” Mr Feeney said.
Mr Feeney said the project is crucial to the Government’s defence and security agenda by supporting the performance of servicemen and women in highly demanding training and operational environments.
As the revised project cost is now more than $15 million, the project will need to be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration.
Subject to Parliamentary clearance, construction is expected to begin in late 2011 with an estimated completion date in late 2013.
Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons, welcomed the announcement.
“This announcement shows Defence is committed to Scottsdale and has a long term future here. I expect the project will generate employment opportunities in regional Tasmania during the construction phase and that’s great news for our community.”
Media Contacts:
Alice Plate (Minister Snowdon): 0400 045 999
Carmen Eastley (Geoff Lyons) 0400 551 940
Steve D’Arcy 0419 991 909
Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
