Gary Gray (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service and Integrity) Share this | Link to 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: HMAS Albatross redevelopment, Nowra, NSW.

HMAS Albatross is the centre of the Royal Australian Navy's maritime aviation capability, supporting operations of one training helicopter squadron and two operational helicopter squadrons. This proposal is at an estimated cost of $192 million plus GST to upgrade and replace ageing, obsolete and, in some cases, potentially unsafe infrastructure to improve the functionality and capability of the facilities at HMAS Albatross to support Navy's training and operational requirements.

The proposal will provide a comprehensive engineering services upgrade, new refurbished working accommodation, a new hot refuelling capability, works to provide increased future airside development space and demolition of redundant facilities at HMAS Albatross. The capital investment in the project will have economic benefits for the Shoalhaven region and local industry with significant opportunities for subcontractors and the construction industry over the next three years. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to begin mid-next year with completion expected in mid-2015. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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: RAAF Base East Sale redevelopment, Sale, Victoria.

RAAF Base East Sale is the primary officer training base for the RAAF and is also a main operating air base, providing continuous support to two operational squadrons, visiting operational squadrons, minor exercises and operations and contracted research and rescue operations. The RAAF base redevelopment project estimated at $185.6 million plus GST proposes to improve the functionality and capability of the base by upgrading or replacing inadequate and non-compliant facilities, infrastructure and engineering services to meet current and anticipated future requirements. The proposal will provide major engineering services upgrades, new and refurbished working accommodation, new and refurbished training and maintenance facilities, security upgrades, a new air traffic control complex, new commercial, community and chapel facilities, a new firing range, new living-in accommodation and demolition of redundant facilities at RAAF Base East Sale.

The capital investment in the project will have economic benefits for the Victorian region and the local industry, with significant opportunities for subcontractors and the construction industry over the next three years. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is scheduled to commence in mid to late 2012 and is planned to be completed by mid 2015. I commend the motion to be House.

Question agreed to.