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, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: AIR 6000 phase 2A/B new air combat capability facilities.

The Department of Defence is proposing to provide new and refurbished facilities at Royal Australian Air Force Bases Williamtown, Tindal, Townsville, Darwin, Curtin, Scherger, Learmonth, Pearce and Edinburgh, as well as additional explosive ordnance and flare storage facilities at Defence Establishment Myambat.

The facilities will be used by number three Squadron, number two Operational Conversion Unit and number 77 Squadron located at RAAF Base Williamtown, and number 75 Squadron located at RAAF Base Tindal. Facilities located at all other RAAF bases and Defence Establishment Myambat, which is near Denman in the New South Wales Upper Hunter, will be used for logistical support for training and operational purposes. The facilities project will provide new and upgraded facilities and infrastructure essential to the operation of the new Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and includes new working accommodation, maintenance hangers, storage, workshop facilities, training facilities, aircraft runway and pavement works.

The project is valued at around $1.477 billion, excluding GST. This investment will bring economic benefits for the local industry across the country, predominantly in the Newcastle and Katherine regions, over the next seven years. Subject to parliamentary approval, the main construction is expected to commence in early 2015 at RAAF Base Williamtown and mid-2017 for RAAF Base Tindal, with completion by 2022. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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