Bruce Billson (Dunkley, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Perhaps you could assist in that communication exercise, Mr Deputy Speaker. The Department of Defence proposes the facilities upgrade to Shoalwater Bay training area, Rockhampton, Queensland. The proposed facilities upgrade will provide (1) an exercise control building to accommodate the significant increase in personnel and systems that are required to control large joint and combined exercises; (2) an Urban Operations Training Facility to allow combat team training for defensive and offensive operations, screens, search and rescue operations, aid to civil power and evacuation operations; and (3) a live-fire capable urban assault range, which complements the Urban Operations Training Facility. The estimated outturn cost of this proposal is $11.16 million.

In its report the Public Works Committee recommended that this work proceed, subject to the recommendations of the committee. The Department of Defence accepts and will implement those recommendations. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction could commence late this year and be completed by April next year. On behalf of the government I thank the committee for its support and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Special Minister of State, I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 , it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Facilities for troop lift helicopter, RAAF Base Townsville, Qld.

The Department of Defence proposes the construction of facilities at RAAF Base Townsville, Queensland, to support the introduction of the new troop lift helicopter. The objective of the proposal is to provide facilities and infrastructure that are critical to the initial introduction and continuing operation of the multirole helicopter 90 in Townsville. The proposed facilities and infrastructure works involve a mixture of new facilities and the adaptation and refurbishment of existing facilities. The estimated outturn cost of the proposal is $20 million.

In its report, the Public Works Committee has recommended that these works proceed. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction could commence late this year with completion in early 2008 to meet the introduction into service of the new aircraft. On behalf of the government I would like to thank the committee for its support, and I commend the motion to the House.

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