Royal Australian Air Force Base Richmond

Mr Lindsay asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 11 August 2009:

In respect of the aircraft painting facility at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Richmond: (a) what, if any future, is planned for the facility; (b) is he aware that there is a need for more working accommodation on the Base; and (c) will the Defence Materiel Organisation release the building to provide more working accommodation on the Base.

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

1. A final decision on the future use of the building has been postponed pending the outcome of a review into the ability of existing Defence and commercial aircraft painting facilities to meet the annual demand for Defence aircraft repainting. A decision is expected by late October 2009. In the interim, part of the aircraft painting facility is being used in support of overseas operations pending the refurbishment of permanent facilities elsewhere within RAAF Base Richmond.
2. It is acknowledged that there is pressure for suitable maintenance accommodation at RAAF Base Richmond.  As such Defence is considering the adaptive re-use of the aircraft painting facility including the option to utilise it as a maintenance hanger.
3. If not required for Defence aircraft repainting, upon its adaptive refit, the facility will be available for reallocation to other users based on the highest priority requirement.

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