Image Gallery: November 2006
Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) facility near Bungendore
06 November 2006
Prime Minister John Howard today launched construction for the Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) facility near Bungendore, NSW. Mr Howard used a ceremonial spade to "turn the first sod" at the 220-hectare site, on former sheep-grazing land. Mr Howard said that the new facility "could not arrive at a better time for Defence or the nation".
"This new headquarters will bring together for the first time all the key elements necessary for the planning and command and control of Australian Defence Force operations and other designated activities - at a time of unprecedented military operational activity," Mr Howard said. Guests at the ceremony included the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, representatives of the consortium carrying out construction, and local dignitaries and landowners.
The HQJOC contract is significant for its use of private financing arrangements to construct and maintain an Australian Government facility. Praeco Pty Ltd, a consortium comprising Leighton Contractors Pty Limited and ABN AMRO Australian Limited, won the contract to build the facility and to provide a range of support services over a 30-year term. Under these private financing arrangements, Defence will pay Praeco an annual service payment, commencing after the facility is completed in July 2008.
The first full-year payment will be $39.99 million in 2009-10. The net present value of the 30-year contract for the new headquarters and supporting services to be provided by Praeco is $572 million.
Read Release: Prime Minister starts construction for New Defence Headquarters near Bungendore, NSW
| 20061103adf8161479_015 The Prime Minister, John Howard, addresses the guests at the turning of the first sod at the new construction site for the new Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command near Bungendore, NSW. (Date taken: 26 October 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20061103adf8161479_023 The Prime Minister, John Howard, and Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, receive a briefing from the Director General of the project, Air Commodore Jack Plenty, on the design of the Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command complex. (Date taken: 26 October 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20061103adf8161479_028 The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, the Prime Minister, John Howard, and Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Gary Nairn MP, stand under an old gum tree looking over the site for the Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC). (Date taken: 26 October 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20061103adf8161479_029 The Prime Minister, John Howard, with the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston (centre) and the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie. (Date taken: 26 October 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20061103adf8161479_033 The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Prime Minister John Howard, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Gary Nairn MP, and Director General of the project, Air Commodore Jack Plenty stand under an old gum tree looking over the site for the Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC). (Date taken: 26 October 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20061103adf8161479_034 L to R Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, The Prime Minister, John Howard, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Gary Nairn MP, and Director General of the HQJOC project, Air Commodore Jack Plenty, walk around the site. (Date taken: 26 October 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20061103adf8161479_042 L to R The Prime Minister, John Howard, meets property owners Joyce and Bruce Hyles, part of whose land has been acquired for the new Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command. (Date taken: 26 October 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20061103adf8161479_075 The Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) facility project team watches as the Director General of the project, Air Commodore Jack Plenty, turns the second sod. (Date taken: 26 October 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 20061103adf8161479_076 The Prime Minister, John Howard, turns the first sod at the new construction site for the Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command near Bungendore, NSW. The Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Gary Nairn MP, and the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, look on. (Date taken: 26 October 2006) Low-res | High-res |
 |
