Mike Kelly (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support) Share this | Link to 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: Enhanced Land Force Stage 1 Facilities Project, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Queensland, and other Defence Bases around Australia.

The Department of Defence proposes to undertake the Enhanced Land Force Stage 1 Facilities Project at Lavarack Barracks, Queensland, and other defence bases around Australia at an estimated out-turned cost of $793.1 million plus GST. Since 2007 the Army has been increasing in size to implement the government’s Enhanced Land Force initiative, and the existing facilities require modification, extension or new construction to support the increased capabilities effectively. This project will provide new and refurbished accommodation and training facilities, as well as common-use facilities and site infrastructure upgrades at Townsville and other defence sites across five states. In its report, the public works committee has recommended that these works proceed. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction will commence in mid-2009 and be completed by late 2011. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for its support, and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.