BUDGET 2006-07
THE HON DR BRENDAN NELSON
Minister for Defence
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, 9 May 2006
065/2006
DEFENCE CAPITAL PROJECTS WORTH $459.1 MILLION
Defence bases around the country are being redeveloped and upgraded to ensure
ADF personnel have the best possible facilities.
I am pleased to announce that Defence will carry out $459.1 million worth of
infrastructure projects in 2006-07, which will deliver increased capability and
improve support to the Australian Defence Force.
This represents a significant increase in estimated expenditure from $305.3 million
in 2005-06.
Spending in 2006-07 includes:

$161.4 million for base trunk engineering services, civil works and
infrastructure upgrades at RAAF Amberley, QLD. The project provides base
trunk engineering services and infrastructure upgrades, working
accommodation, workshops, and airside infrastructure upgrades to support
the introduction of the multi role tanker transport capability and the relocation
of the 9th Force Support Battalion. The total project cost is $285.6 million.

$62.4 million for civil works, building construction and base infrastructure
upgrades at Holsworthy, Sydney. The project provides working accommodation
and base infrastructure upgrades to support Special Forces units. The total
project cost is $207.7 million.

$61 million for base infrastructure upgrades and construction of facilities and
accommodation at RAAF East Sale, Victoria and RAAF Wagga, NSW. The
project provides for working accommodation, training facilities and living
accommodation for students and staff to allow the relocation from RAAF
College at RAAF Williams, VIC and RAAF Edinburgh, SA. The total project cost
is $133.4 million.

$45 million for supporting base infrastructure upgrades and working
accommodation construction at Kokoda Barracks Canungra, QLD. The project
provides for upgraded training, messing, and living-in accommodation. The
total project cost is $86.7 million.

$35 million for the construction of a conference centre and continued fit-out of
laboratory and research facilities at the Defence Science and Technology
Organisation facility, Fishermans Bend, Melbourne. The project provides for
the relocation of the research facility at Maribyrnong into enhanced research
and laboratory facilities at Fishermans Bend. The total project cost is
$106.3 million.
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
$33.4 million for construction of interim and permanent working
accommodation, and supporting infrastructure at Holsworthy, Sydney. The
project provides the facilities to allow the relocation of the 171st Aviation
Squadron from Townsville to Sydney. The total project cost is $92.0 million.

$15 million for construction of ordnance loading aprons at RAAF Williamtown,
NSW. The project provides for redevelopment of base infrastructure and
working accommodation and for facilities to support the introduction of the
airborne early warning and control capability. The total project cost is
$129.2 million.

$13.9 million for upgraded port facilities at Darwin Naval Base, NT to support
the new Armidale-class patrol boats. The work is being staged to allow for the
continuing operations of the naval base. The total project cost is $19.2 million.

$11.1 million for continuing construction of ranges and supporting
infrastructure at Holsworthy, Sydney. The project provides specialised training
ranges and training facilities to support Special Forces units. The total project
cost is $79.6 million.

A further $20.9 million will be expended on other major and medium facilities
projects.
The Government will also continue its commitment to fast track the $174.8 million
stage 4 redevelopment of Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
Estate Upkeep
The Government will meet its 2004-05 Budget announcement to provide an
additional $300 million over the three years commencing from 2005-06 to meet the
increasing costs of maintaining the Defence estate. The additional funding will
bring planned expenditure on Defence estate upkeep to approximately
$381.8 million during 2006-07.
The money will be spent on maintaining Defence’s extensive base infrastructure,
including airfields, naval bases, barracks, training ranges, cadet facilities and fuel
farms. Funds will also be used to meet community environmental and occupational
health and safety regulatory requirements. The programme of estate upkeep works
will be developed each year with projects focusing on the areas of highest priorities.
Examples of works to be undertaken include:

an extensive programme of asbestos removal at Defence facilities;

refurbishment of living-in accommodation for soldiers, sailors and airmen;

maintenance of airfield pavements and lighting;

environmental monitoring and management works at Defence ranges and
training areas;

the renewal of in-ground services such as communications cabling, electrical
reticulation and sewers;

upgrade of security at Defence bases; and

repairs to fuel storage facilities.
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Media contacts
Nigel Blunden
Defence Media Liaison
(Dr Nelson)
02 6277 7800
02 6265 3343
0407 632 931
0408 498 664
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Defence Capital Projects Worth $459.1 million – Supporting Information
Why is this important?

The redevelopment and upgrade of Australian Defence Force bases is important to
ensure Australian Defence Force personnel have the best possible facilities, which
will provide capacity to enhance the effectiveness of the current force and to build
the force of the future.
Who will benefit?

The Australian community, through a more capable and effective Defence Force.

The Australian Defence Force, through increased capability and improved
support, as well as extensive enhancements to base infrastructure such as security
upgrades, asbestos removal, and maintenance of airfields, naval bases, barracks,
training ranges, cadet facilities and fuel farms.

Australian Defence Force personnel, through upgrades to on-base living-in
accommodation and safer working environments.
What funding has Defence committing to this initiative?

Defence will spend $840.9 million including $459.1 million in infrastructure
projects and $381.8 million in infrastructure improvements for 2006-07. This
represents an increase in expenditure from an estimated $761.3 million in 2005-06
and continues to build on its commitment to upgrading the Defence estate.
When will the initiative conclude?

This initiative reflects an ongoing programme of new facilities and maintenance
of existing facilities to enhance the current force and to build the force of the
future.