The prospect of significant facilities work across Australian Defence sites continues apace with further announcements on work planned for Navy aviation sites, the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia and accommodation facilities across the nation.

The proposal for the construction of facilities to support the new Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH90) has been referred to the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public Works.

The proposed operation, training and maintenance facilities, which are budgeted at $173.7 million, will support the requirements of the new MRH90s as well as the units and personnel operating and maintaining them. The facilities are planned to be constructed at HMAS Albatross, RAAF Base Townsville, Army Aviation Training Centre Oakey, and Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera. Construction on the project is expected to commence in mid 2008 and is planned to be completed by late 2010.

Meantime the construction project for new Single Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville is part of a two phase initiative delivering contemporary living-in rooms across all mainland States and Territories.

The 540 rooms to be constructed at Lavarack will feature purpose-built rooms featuring ensuites, kitchenettes, internet and telephone connections, secure storage and under cover parking.

The benefits to the community will flow not only during construction but will be sustained throughout the 30-year maintenance support contract which will be delivered under an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Defence and the successful Strategic Partner. The new accommodation expected to be ready for occupation by 2011-2012.

Also referred to the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public Works was a $623.68 million proposal for the construction of facilities at Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Adelaide, South Australia.

The proposed works are part of the Hardened and Networked Army (HNA) initiative. HNA will increase options in terms of both the combat weight of the force that can be deployed and the duration that forces can be sustained on operations. As part of HNA, the 7th Battalion Royal Australia Regiment (7 RAR) will be re-raised as a mechanised infantry battalion and based in Adelaide along with supporting artillery, combat engineer and logistics troops.

The project will include working accommodation, training facilities, a driver training area, a vehicle wash point and common user facilities for both Army and RAAF including a new combined mess, medical, fitness and community facilities as well as site infrastructure works. Construction is planned to commence in late 2008 and be completed progressively during the period December 2010 through to December 2011 to enable occupation to start in January 2011.