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, 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: Development and construction of housing for the Department of Defence at Ermington, New South Wales.

Defence Housing Australia proposes to develop a 16.3 hectare 'in-fill broadacre' site in the Sydney suburb of Ermington, New South Wales. The site was formerly a naval stores depot. The proposal will provide an additional 209 dwellings, made up of three- and four-bedroom townhouses, courtyard-style homes and detached homes.

The proposal will also yield nine 'super lots' for the construction of an additional 228 apartments. The 'super lots' will be sold to private developers for private sale, creating a mixed civilian and defence community and reducing DHA's net outlay. The proposal is part of ongoing activity to increase the number of houses in the DHA portfolio in Sydney and reduce the number of ADF personnel living in subsidised private rental accommodation.

The Ermington site is very well located with significant frontage on the Parramatta River and is only 15 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. It will be especially convenient for those ADF members posted to CBD locations such as Fleet Base East and Victoria Barracks.

The project cost of $90.6 million, inclusive of GST but excluding cost of land, will be met by DHA and recovered through the sale of surplus lots and the sale and lease-back program.

In its report, the Public Works Committee has recommended that these works proceed. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in May 2012 and be completed by December 2015. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for its support and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.