Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the committee's report No. 7 of 2024, Department of DefenceExplosive Ordnance Facilities Northern NSW Redevelopment project and other works.

Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e).

by leave—This report considers two proposals referred to the committee from the Department of Defence. Both are for public works at the Defence Establishment Orchard Hills in Western Sydney. In total, these works have a combined value of $614 million. In the first proposal, Defence are seeking to spend $360 million to provide new and upgraded infrastructure to manage, store and maintain munitions and for related workforce training. This will include new and upgraded water, electrical, ICT and wastewater infrastructure; administration and working accommodation; facilities for the training school; living-in accommodation; a small gymnasium; and a multiuse sports court. The committee did not identify any concerns with the proposal; however, the committee recommended that the budget be increased to allow additional living-in accommodation to be built.

The second proposal would allow Defence to build additional storage facilities for guided weapons and explosive ordnance. The storage facilities and associated infrastructure upgrades are budgeted at $240 million. The committee notes that there are some concerns from the community about safety and bushfire hazards. Overall, the committee was very satisfied by the risk management protocols that Defence has in place. However, the committee urges Defence to maintain a high standard of community consultation about these works and all upcoming activities related to guided weapons and explosive ordnance.

The committee also encourages Defence to think long term about the practicality of this location and the impact of increasing urban development in south-western Sydney. The committee noted that Defence would build additional earth covered buildings if there were savings made but, otherwise, does not have the budget in the current project. Considering the efficiency of doing these works together, the committee recommends that the budget be increased so that additional earth covered buildings can be constructed at the same time as the rest of the project.

The committee would like to extend its thanks to all those who provided written and oral evidence in support of these inquiries. For both projects, the committee recommends that it is expedient that the proposed works be carried out. I commend the report to the House.