Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

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: AIR 9000 Phase 5C Replacement Chinook Facilities Project, Townsville, QLD.

In accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to provide new and refurbished facilities at the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Townsville, Queensland, to support the introduction of new CH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Australian Army. I referred this project to the Public Works Committee on 25 March 2014. The project is valued at $54.8 million plus GST and includes the provision of facilities and supporting infrastructure necessary to support the new F model Chinook medium-lift helicopter by enhancing capability to provide efficiencies in the delivery of the capability through the provision of either new or expanded and modified facilities.

This investment will bring economic benefits for local industry in the Townsville region over the next three years and will generate around 50 full-time jobs over the life of the project. In its report the Public Works Committee has recommended that these works proceed. On behalf of the government I would like to thank the committee, under the leadership of the member for McPherson, for its consideration and support for this project. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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: Defence Terrestrial Communications Network Facilities and Infrastructure Project.

In accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 it is expedient to remediate and upgrade the terrestrial communications network facilities and communications infrastructure at 282 Department of Defence sites in all states and territories. I referred this project to the Public Works Committee on 25 March 2014. The upgrade is valued at $131.1 million, and funding has been approved by the government. The cost includes management and design fees, construction costs, furniture, fittings and equipment, contingencies and an allowance for escalation.

The works will bring economic benefits to local industry at the 282 locations. Defence's investment will generate job opportunities for local subcontractors over the next two years. In its report the Public Works Committee has recommended that these works proceed subject to the recommendations of the committee. Defence accepts and will implement the recommendations. On behalf of the government I would like to thank the committee, which is headed by the member for McPherson, for its consideration and for its support for this project. With that, I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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