Peter Lindsay (Herbert, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence) 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: Redevelopment of the propellant manufacturing facility at Mulwala, NSW.

The Department of Defence proposes to redevelop the gun propellant capability of the propellant and high explosive production facility at Mulwala, New South Wales. The works now proposed are needed to overcome plant obsolescence, improve safety and meet environmental regulations. The main components comprise new nitrocellulose propellant and solvent production facilities, a new ballistics laboratory and a confined burn facility to eliminate open burning of energetic waste. The estimated outturn cost of the proposal is $338.7 million.

In its report the Public Works Committee recommended that these works should proceed, subject to the recommendations of the committee. The Department of Defence accepts and will implement those recommendations. Subject to parliamentary approval, the works will be committed by mid-2007 with the objective of having them completed by the end of 2011. On behalf of the government I would like to thank the committee for its support. I commend this motion to the House.

Question agreed to.