Gary Nairn (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) 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: Facilities for troop lift helicopter, RAAF Base Townsville, Qld.

The Department of Defence proposes the construction of facilities at RAAF Base Townsville, Queensland, to support the introduction of a new troop lift helicopter. The objective of the proposal is to provide facilities and infrastructure that are critical to the initial introduction and continuing operation of the multirole helicopter 90 in Townsville. The proposed facilities and infrastructure works involve a combination of new facilities and adaptation and refurbishment of existing facilities. The estimated out-turned cost of the proposal is $20 million. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction could commence late this year, with completion in early 2008, to meet the introduction into service of the new aircraft. This is another excellent facility for Townsville, where there is a very significant Army presence—as everybody knows. So many of our troops who are currently in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands and East Timor come from Townsville. The member for Herbert, a very strong supporter of the military in his electorate, would probably like to say a word about this referral as well. I commend the motion to the House.

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