Defence Highway Rest Stop Program (December 2008– January 2009) - 'Plan to Arrive Alive'

Program Information

Introduction
Safe Base Security
Booking Procedures & Conditions
Fringe Benefits

If you would like to book your accommodation or if you have specific questions about any of the following Defence Bases, please contact the Base(s) direct using their contact details below. For general questions about the Highway Rest Stop Program please email ohsc.comms@defence.gov.au. Please also confirm Rates and Charges with the participating Defence Base at the time of booking.

Partcipating Defence Bases

The Defence Bases are listed by state, with details categorised into the following:

Introduction

With the holiday season just around the corner, many people will be travelling to visit friends and relatives. Research shows that driver fatigue is a significant factor in vehicle accidents in Australia, and may result from travelling long distances without adequate rest breaks.

To try and alleviate driver fatigue, the Defence Highway Rest Stop Program provides overnight transit accommodation in various locations around Australia to Defence people and their immediate families (i.e. spouse and children) travelling over the Christmas/New Year leave break.

In addition to overnight rest stops, please remember to take a 10 minute break every 2 hours on your trips during the day. Enjoy the holidays and welcome in the New Year, and whatever you do, Drive to Arrive Alive.

Safe Base Security

Booking Procedures and Conditions

Member contacts establishment, using Defence communications, requesting accommodation with full details (name, service/Employee ID) of member and details of family members and vehicle(s).

Establishment confirms/refuses booking using Defence communications to members unit with booking number and any relevant security procedures.

Member arrives at establishment and provides service ID/identification and booking number. Establishment confirms details against booking form.

OHSC sponsors the accommodation component of the program for Defence members. Meal costs, availability, bookings and other details, contact the relevant person on the list below. It should also be noted that those Defence people who are in receipt of travelling allowances, which is the case for military members travelling on posting, are expected to expend those allowances on commercially available accommodation and not occupy limited rest stop facilities.

Fringe Benefits - Reporting Requirements

Although involvement in the Defence Highway Rest Stop Program is classified as a fringe benefit and included in the Defence FBT return, it is exempt from inclusion on members group certificates. Use of the Rest Stop Program has no effect on any government benefits received or surcharges paid by the member.

Northern Territory - RAAF Base Tindal

Contact/Bookings
All bookings can be prebooked by contacting Base on (08)89736220, 0427170849, or alternatively on (08)89736420.

Procedures
Room keys are to be collected by the Service member at the Base Command Post on production of a Service ID, after reporting to the front gate and advising the guards that the reason for entry is "Defence Highway Rest Stop Program" accommodation. Accommodation for operational requirements takes precedence - short notice cancellations, may occur.

Dates
12 Dec 08 - 11 Jan 09 inclusive.

Facilities Available
Camp 1 Block A ( 2 X Bunk Beds per room) with communal toilet and shower facilities. Total Rooms 14. Total Beds 56.

Queensland - RAAF Base Townsville, Oakey - Army Aviation Centre

RAAF Base Townsville

Contact/Bookings

Members wishing to utilise the Highway Rest Stop Program on RAAF Townsville should make a booking/bookings through the RAAF Townsville Accommodation Cell during normal business hours on phone 07 475 21760 or Facsimile 07 475 21761 (followed up with a confirmation phone call). Bookings can not be made from 19 Dec 08 – 05 Jan 09 inclusive. Bookings for accommodation requirements for those dates will only be accepted prior to COB 18 Dec 08. Email contact and/or bookings can be made via TVL.Accom@defence.gov.au

During normal Business Hours
Contact the Accommodation Manager/ Duty Manager at Accommodation Cell on RAAF Townsville. The duty Gatekeeper will provide directions to the Accommodation Centre. Accommodation Cell staff will issue room keys.

Out of Hours (includes Weekend and Public Holidays)
Members are to report to the pass office near the main gate at RAAF Townsville and request room keys. Members who have booked accommodation will have keys provided in an envelope with their details on the front of that envelope ready for collection at the pass office. Room keys must be signed for on acceptance of any accommodation on RAAF Townsville.

Procedures
Key collection from accommodation during normal working hours and from the pass office during out of hours, weekends or public holidays.

Requirements
All members utilising Highway Rest Stop accommodation at RAAF Townsville will be required to:

a. Show proof of Identity (Service ID or equivalent),
b. Provide vehicle registration,
c. Complete the Highway Rest Stop Proforma at enclosure 1, listing the full names of all personnel and dependents utilising accommodation on RAAF Townsville, and
d. Comply with SAFEBASE security directions as required.

All Highway Rest Stop users are advised that should any heightened security alert arise during this period, personnel and their dependents may be refused accommodation and other services at RAAF Townsville.

Vehicle parking
Highway Rest Stop users are to park vehicles in the main car park inside the front entrance to the Base.

Costs
Costs for meals for dependants of serving members are IAW Rates and Charges for Non Defence Civilians and Overseas Defence Personnel accommodated or provided with meals in a Service Mess. Meal charges for Defence personnel are IAW Casual Meal rates applicable for the Airmen’s Mess.

Meals
Meals will be available on repayment in the Airmen's Mess only. Meals will not be made available to Highway Rest Stop users on Christmas Day.

On vacation
All used bedding is to be folded and left outside the door of the vacated room. Keys are to be returned to Accommodation Cell on working days, or returned to the Pass Office if vacating on a weekend or public holiday.

Lost Keys/Swipe Cards
A charge of $11 to apply for any key or swipe card lost by any members seeking accommodation under the Highway Rest Stop Program.

Cyclone Standing Information
A copy of Townsville Cyclone Standing Instructions will be available in the Highway Rest Stop accommodation block. All members are urged to read this Instruction on occupying accommodation on RAAF Townsville. A flashing beacon and indicator board on entry to RAAF Townsville indicates the current Cyclone Alert Status.

In the event of a Cyclone Alert being activated, the designated shelter area for Highway Rest Stop users is the Wirraway Club at RAAF Townsville.

A detailed list of emergency contact numbers for RAAF Townsville is located by the accommodation block telephone.

Dates
13 Dec 08 to 11 Jan 09

Facilities Available
Accommodation for Highway Rest Stop users regardless of rank will be in Block 750 Upper Level , Transit Accommodation at RAAF Townsville. A total of 20 double rooms will be made available with shared toilet and shower facilities. All bedding is provided.

Oakey - Army Aviation Centre

Contact/Bookings
DS - DD Airfield Operations, business hours on ph (07) 4691 7136 & facsimile (07) 4691 7122 up until 12 Dec 08. During stand down period the Spotless Accommodation Cell on (07) 4691 7191 or the AAC Guard room on (07) 4691 7003.

Procedures
Bookings must be made 1 day prior to arrival. All personnel wishing to utilise the facilities at Oakey are to be in possession of service identification or Defence employee equivalent. Keys and registration paperwork available from the AAC Guard room.

Dates
01 Dec 08 to 30 Jan 09

Facilities Available
10 x single bed, rooms (communal facilities)

New South Wales - HMAS Albatross, RAAF Base Williamtown, RAAF Base Richmond, RAAF Base Wagga

HMAS Albatross

Contact/Bookings
Bookings available through the Accommodation Office between these dates ( except Public Holidays ) on (02) 4424 1369.

Procedures
Accommodation keys will be available for pick up at the Main gate Security Office.

Dates
19 Dec 08 - 19 Jan 09.

Facilities Available
Single rooms with shared amenities. Linen provided but bring own towels

RAAF Base Williamtown

Contact/Bookings
Bookings can be made directly to the Serco Sodexho Defence Services (SSDS) Accommodation Cell by E-mail: accom.wlm@ssds.com.au or fax: 02 4964 7202.

The following information must be included with the booking request:

• Full Names of member and dependants accompanying the member and age(s).
• Service (eg. Army, Navy or Air Force) or APS and PMKeyS No.
• Parent Unit.
• Vehicle Registration Number and vehicle type.
• Return Phone/Fax Numbers /Mobile Number and E-mail address for confirmation of bookings.

The SSDS points of contact are Mrs Tracy Whyte or Mrs Maxine Irwin on 02 4964 7200.

Procedures
A current ID card will be required at time of arrival to enable the issue of keys. Keys can be collected from:

• During Business Hours. At the Accommodation Cell in Building 220 (next to the Airmens’ Mess). Please check at the RAAF Base Williamtown Pass Office on arrival.
• Out-of-Hours. At the RAAF Base Williamtown Pass Office. The Accommodation Request Booking No is to be provided to the Pass Office when collecting keys.

Meal Times - Airmens’ Mess (12 Dec 08 – 12 Jan 09)

Dates
12 Dec 08 - 12 Jan 09

Facilities Available
Airmans’ Lines transit accommodation consisting of twin share rooms with shared ablution facilities. Arrival Time – not before 1400 hrs. Departure time no later than 1000 hrs.

Accommodation and Ration Charges
Accommodation: $16.85 per room per night.
Meals (per person): Breakfast $3.60; Lunch $4.85, Dinner $4.75

Accommodation will be available for one night only on the start of the journey and the return trip home depending on availability.

Please Note:

• Children are not allowed to roam unaccompanied around the base. Adult supervision is required at all times.
• Dress standards apply at the Airmens’ Mess.
• ID Cards and Passes must be carried at all times and presented on request.

RAAF Base Richmond

Contact/Bookings
The Accommodation Cell staff telephone number is 02 4587 1630. Out of hours emergency accommodation (24 hours) is the RAAF Richmond Duty Member on Mobile: 0409 650 341

All rooms available for one night only.

Procedures
All bookings to the RIC BCP prior to 12 Dec 08 - Keys available from the Mess Bar until 2200 h then at the Pass Office.

Dates
12 Dec 08 to 12 Jan 09

Facilities Available
- 15 rooms in the Airman's Mess.

RAAF Base Wagga

Contact/Bookings
Members wishing to utilise the Highway Rest Stop Program should make a booking/bookings through the Accommodation Cell during normal business hours on phone 0417 411 517.

If an unplanned stop occurs, accommodation, and keys to the rooms issued will be available from the Security Office.

Procedures
Arrivals
During normal Business Hours
Contact the Accommodation Manager located in Building 83 (warehouse). Security Staff will provide directions to the Accommodation Centre. Accommodation Cell Staff between the hour’s of-0730 –1630hrs will issue room keys.

Out of Hours (includes Weekend and Public Holidays)
Members are to report to the Security Office and request room keys from the Security Staff. Members, who have booked accommodation, will have keys provided in an envelope with their details on the front. Room keys must be signed for on acceptance of any accommodation on RAAF Base Wagga.

Requirements
With security arrangements in place on RAAF Base Wagga, all members utilising accommodation will be required to
a. Show proof of identity (Service ID or equivalent)
b. Record vehicle registration with temporary pass onto RAAF Base Wagga
c. The cost of accommodation for member and family shall be met by OHSC. Please complete the Proforma provided with all details of personnel utilising accommodation.

Vehicle Parking
Members utilising The Highway Rest Stop Program are to use the main car park off Garland Street adjacent to Buildings 36 & 37.

Costs
Costs for accommodation and meals are IAW Rates and Charges for Non Defence Civilians and Overseas Defence Personnel accommodated or provided with meals in a Service Mess. Service Personnel shall be charged at Service Rates.

Arrangements
Single rooms will be made available with shared toilet/shower facilities.
All bedding is provided.
No towels are provided.
On vacating, all used bedding is to be folded and left outside door of vacated room.
Keys are to be returned to Accommodation Cell if working day, if weekend or Public Holiday keys are to be returned to the Security Office.

Lost Keys
A charge of $29.00 will apply for any key lost by any member seeking accommodation under the Highway Rest Stop Program.

Dates
12 Dec 08 to 11 Jan 09

Facilities Available
Accommodation for Highway Rest Stop Users regardless of Rank will be in Block 36 and 37 at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga.

Australian Capital Territory- HMAS Harman

HMAS Harman

Contact/Bookings
Office 02 6266 6795
Fax 02 6280 7659
Email: harman.accommodation@SSDS.com.au
Accommodation Office Hours
Monday - Friday 0800-1700

Booking are only available for one night each way - i.e.one on the forward leg and one on the return leg of your journey. A minimum of 48 hours notice for bookings required.

Procedures
Important
All members utilising Highway Rest Stop accommodation at HMAS HARMAN must show proof of Identity (Service ID or equivalent) to obtain entry.

Key collection
available from the Accommodation office (Bldg 17) during Office hours or, from the Pass Office (Bldg 16) during out of hours, weekends or public holidays.

Costs
Charges for Service Accommodation and will be borne by OHSC.

Bedding
20 x Single rooms will be made available with shared toilet/shower facilities.
All bedding is provided.
No towels are provided.
On vacating, all used bedding is to be folded and left in room

Key returns
Keys are to be returned to Accommodation Cell on working days, or returned to the Pass Office if vacating on a weekend or public holiday.

Lost Keys
A charge of $20 will apply for any key lost by members accommodated under the Highway Rest Stop Program.

Dates
The program will operate during the REDUCED ACTIVITY PERIOD (RAP) - 15 Dec 08 to 18 Jan 09 (TBC).

Victoria - Puckapunyal, RAAF Base East Sale, South Bandiana-Gaza Ridge Barracks

Puckapunyal

Contact/Bookings
Transfield on (03) 5735 6696/6673/6738 or Wilson Security on (03) 573 57038

Procedures
Key Collection/Return:
Work Hours: Transfield Accommodation Cell (exception will be 24 Dec - 01 Jan ) located at Building 1050 on Morobe Road Puckapunyal between 0800-1600 weekdays only.

After Hours: Wilson Security (24 hours) located at Building 440 on Nadzab Road Puckapunyal.

Dates
15 Dec 08 - 27 Jan 09 incl.

Facilities Available
10 single rooms available at Tobruk Barracks Barrack Block 1 Building 820.

RAAF Base East Sale

Contact/Bookings
Work Hours: Accommodation manager 03 514 66161
Out of Hours: Mobile 0409155080

Procedures
NO Bookings will be accepted. The procedure will be arrive at ESL, proceed to the front gate security office. Paperwork to be filled in, keys will be issued for overnight accommodation only. Keys to be returned to the security office on departure.

Dates
19 Dec 08 to 11 Jan 09.

There may be a restriction on the number of rooms available from 02-18 Jan 09 due to a possible 4WG AAFC training activity.

Facilities Available
Officer's Mess Transit block. Single rooms with shared ablutions.

South Bandiana, Gaza Ridge Barracks

Contact/Bookings
Contact the Accommodation cell - Sth Bandiana Bandianaaccommodation@site.compass-group.com.au
Phone number up until stand down will be 02 6055 4398 and phone number once stand down is in effect 0427 780 757 (this number is available all the time)

Procedures
Keys will be available for pick up from the South Bandiana duty office.

Meals can be consumed at the South OR's mess but members will need to advise if they will eat here so as efficient time can be given for meal preperation etc.

Dates
15 Dec 08 to 18 Jan 09 incl.

Facilities Available
The accommodation available will be condo style building with 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 common room per unit.

South Australia - RAAF Base Edinburgh

RAAF Base Edinburgh

Contact/Bookings
Transfield Services
Ph: (08) 83932486
Fax: (08) 83932995
Alternate email Address: sa.accommodation@defence.gov.au
Minimum of 48 hours notice for bookings required.
Members wishing to take advantage of the Highway Rest Stop Program will need to adhere to SAFEBASE – BRAVO security requirements and will gain access to the Base on producing appropriate Defence identification.

Dates
01 Dec 08 to 31 Jan 09 incl.

Facilities Available
Transit Accommodation Bld 214 2 rooms with double beds and 2 singles, 2 single rooms with 4 beds.
Transit Accommodation for Senior Officers 1 room can be double if spouse accompanies member.
2 rooms with 1 double and 3 single beds, 1 room with 4 single beds.
Fridge, microwave ovens, washing machines and shower facilities.

Western Australia - HMAS Stirling, RAAF Base Pearce, RAAF Base Learmonth, RAAF Base Curtin

HMAS Stirling

Contact/Bookings
Accommodation Manager Transfield Services: (08) 955 32422
After hours emergency POC: Officer of the Day 0417917047 or ISS (08) 955 32273

Procedures
Procedures for use: Bookings must be done prior to arrival at the Accommodation Office. Keys can be picked up from the security area Building 119 on arrival. Meals will be available in the SS Mess for the stand down period, charges at the appropriate level in accordance with CEI's.

Dates
19 Dec 08 - 19 Jan 09

Facilities Available
Vacant cabins are available in respective areas.

Further details on facilities are available on the link intranet address below; http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/HMASSTIRLING/

RAAF Base Pearce

Contact/Bookings
Ring 08 9571 7033, Mob 0438 639 635 or Fax 08 9571 7350

Procedures
- Book accom 1 working day in advance by phone, fax or e-mail.
- Collect keys and pay for room. Keys available from Accom. Office Bldg 256 during business hours 0730-1630 or a/h from the front gate.

Dates
The accommodation at the Officer's Mess and SGT's Mess will be available during the standdown period 12 Dec 08 -12 Jan 09. The Airmen's Mess accommodation will not be available from 2 - 22 January due to AAFC utilisation.

Facilities Available
Officers accom Bldg 96/99, Sgts Accom. Bldg 24, Airmens Bldg 202. These area shared single facilities and all meals are only available in the Airmen's Mess during Reduced Action Period.

RAAF Base Learmonth

Please Note: Due to operational demands, RAAF Base Learmonth is no longer available to take part in the Program.

RAAF Base Curtin

Contact/Bookings
Up to 17 Dec 08 ring 08 9193 9719, and after this date ring 08 9193 9719.

Procedures
Call Caretakers using phone at front gate and then proceed to Caretaker's Office. Bookings are required and arrivals outside normal office hours of 0730-1630, Mon to Fri or on Public Holidays are to be by appointment only.

Dates
Throughout the stand down period, no exclusion period.

Facilities Available
2 self sufficient houses each with 3 bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen or a large number of demountable rooms with bunk beds and nearby ablutions and kitchen facilities.