Defence: Evans Head Aerodrome

Mr Baldwin asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 17 June 2009:

1. What is the total monetary value of work associated with the decontamination of land at the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome site.
2. Did the department have any agreement, financial or otherwise, with Richmond Valley Council concerning the decontamination of land at the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome site; if so, what did the agreement include.
3. Did Richmond Valley Council contribute to the cost of decontaminating land at the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome site; if so, what sum of money did it contribute.
4. On what date did the decontamination work at the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome site begin; what stage is it currently at; and by what date is it due for completion.
5. Does the department have any remaining (a) financial, and (b) land title, interests at the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome site; if so, what are they.
6. On what date was the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome site given to the Richmond Valley Council.
7. Does the department retain any rights in respect of the use of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome site; if so, what do these rights entail.
8. What were the original boundaries of the Evans Head Memorial Airfield during World War II.

Mr Combet - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

1. Responsibility for the package of remediation works being undertaken at Evans Head Aerodrome is the responsibility of the Richmond Valley Council.  Defence has agreed to assist Council with part of the remediation costs associated with this site to a limit of $1.8 million.
2. Yes.  Defence has an agreement with the Richmond Valley Council to contribute $1.8million toward the costs for remediation of the land set aside for an Aged Care Facility.
3. Yes.  Richmond Valley Council has committed to fund remediation work at the Aged Care Facility site.  Tenders for the work have not yet been called so the cost is not known at this stage.
4. Remediation of the Aged Care Facility site is not due to commence until February 2010.  The work is expected to be completed by the end of June 2010.
5. (a) and (b)  No.
6. In 1992 ownership of the Aerodrome passed from the then Commonwealth Department of Transport to Richmond River Shire Council (now Richmond Valley Council) under an Airport Local Ownership Plan agreement.
7. No.
8. Richmond Valley Council has advised Defence that to the best of its knowledge, the boundaries of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome during World War II are described in Lot 2 Deposited Plan 214941 dating from 1962.

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