Andrew Leigh (Fenner, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) 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: Department of Defence—RAAF Base Learmonth redevelopment enabling KC-30A Operations, Exmouth, Western Australia project.

The Department of Defence is proposing works at RAAF Base Learmonth to upgrade the airfield to support KC-30A aircraft to perform strategic airlift and air refuelling operations. The works will include strengthening the runway and parallel taxiway, constructing new connecting taxiways and dedicated parking aprons for KC-30A and other large aircraft to support the loading and unloading of cargo and explosive ordnance. The estimated cost of the works is $662.2 million, excluding GST. The proposed works were referred to the Public Works Committee on 28 November 2023. Following its inquiry, the committee has recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the works. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in mid-2024 and to be completed by the end of 2028. On behalf of the government I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Moreton, for undertaking a timely inquiry. 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: Department of Defence—RAAF Base Darwin—Mid-term refresh project.

The Department of Defence is proposing works at RAAF Base Darwin to provide a new high-capacity main entrance, an upgraded entrance for heavy vehicle access, and capacity, condition and compliance upgrades to the potable water, firefighting water and sewer network. The total estimated cost of the proposed works is $159.9 million, GST exclusive. The proposed works were referred to the Public Works Committee on 15 November 2023. Following its inquiry the committee has recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the works. Subject to parliamentary approval, design activities are expected to be completed by early 2024 with construction expected to commence in mid-2024 for completion by mid-2027. On behalf of the government I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Moreton, for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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