Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share 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, 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: Christmas Island Stormwater, Landslide and Rockfall Mitigation Works Project.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is proposing to undertake infrastructure work to manage the risks of stormwater flooding, landslide and rockfall at key locations on Christmas Island. The proposed work includes upgrades to the stormwater overland flow and in-ground network arrangements at Drumsite as well as landslide and rockfall defence mitigation and protection measure at Flying Fish Cove. These proposed works are necessary to protect the community and visitors living or working on Christmas Island and to ensure the government meets its obligations to provide safe workplaces. The estimated costs of the works is $28.9 million, excluding GST. The project was referred to the Public Works Committee on 12 May 2021. The committee has recommended the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Work Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the project. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction activities are expected to commence in January 2022, with completion expected by mid-2023. On behalf of the government, I thank the committee for undertaking a timely inquiry and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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