Alan Tudge (Aston, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Youth) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Assistant Minister to the Minister for the Public Service, 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: Department of Defence–Facilities to support LAND 19 Phase 7B Short Range Ground Base Air Defence—RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

The Department of Defence is proposing a project to provide new facilities and infrastructure works at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, to enable the 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery—the regiment—to support new air defence capabilities. The project will replace the existing portable laser-guided surface-to-air missile system operated by the regiment with a significantly larger and more capable vehicle based air defence system. New working and support facilities at RAAF Base Edinburgh will replace the regiment's existing facilities, which are not fit for purpose and would not enable an acceptable operating level to be achieved for the new air defence capability. The total estimated capital delivery cost of the project is $213.9 million. The works must be referred, considered by and reported on to both houses of the parliament by the Public Works Committee before work may commence. Subject to parliamentary approval, the construction works are expected to commence in late 2022 and scheduled to be completed by late 2024. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Assistant Minister to the Minister for the Public Service, 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: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority—Transformation of Reef HQ Aquarium.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is proposing upgrade works to transform the national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef, Reef HQ Aquarium, into a global destination of excellence in tropical coral reef education. The proposed works are part of a keystone project within the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area and support the Townsville City Deal. The proposed works will provide visitors with a range of immersive experiences and revitalised exhibits, including educational activities, hands-on experiences, on-site diving programs, scientific demonstrations and the use of interactive technology. The works will be conducted concurrently with renewal works that were approved by the Public Works Committee in June 2020. The total estimated cost of the project is $40 million excluding GST. The works must be referred, considered by and reported on to both houses of the parliament by the Public Works Committee before work may commence. Subject to parliamentary approval, the construction works are expected to commence in March 2022, with completion at the end of 2023. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.