Media Release

Defence to Contract Out Garrison Support Services in the Sydney Central Region

The Department of Defence expects to save up to 31 per cent of future costs through a five-year contract worth about $122.5 million for garrison support services in the Sydney Central Region of NSW.

The preferred tenderer selected to provide services is SERCo-Gardner Merchant Pty Ltd.

The services provided under the contract will include cleaning and waste removal, grounds maintenance, laundry and dry cleaning, catering and accommodation, a canteen and cafeteria service, a clothing store service, security and logistic support services.

The contracted services will be provided at Defence bases HMAS WATSON, HMAS WATERHEN, HMAS KUTTABUL, HMAS PENGUIN, REVY Pyrmont, Randwick Army Barracks, Victoria Barracks, Defence Plaza in the city and other smaller depots and barracks in the area.

SerCo-Gardner Merchant was selected as the preferred tenderer from six companies that responded to a Request for Quotation published in October 1998. No in-house option was submitted from Defence personnel.

The contract services will be phased in from mid July 1999.

It is expected that this contract will create a number of additional employment opportunities for the local community. The military personnel currently working in affected areas will be redeployed to other Defence positions through the normal posting system.

Further information:
Captain Phil Parkins 02 9377 2000 or 0417 668 161

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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