Ground-breakers

Fran Bailey turns the first sod, flanked by Local Member Bob Baldwin, Base Commander Wing Commander Ian Farnsworth and 2SQN Commanding Officer Wing Commander Tracey Friend. Photo by LAC Clint Siggins

ONE small sod of soil represented a ground-breaking step forward for the start of construction on the new headquarters facility for the RAAF’s No.2 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown in NSW.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Fran Bailey announced the first stage of redevelopment for the base, with $149m being expended during the next four years.

“The headquarters is part of the upgrade at RAAF Base Williamtown to enable the introduction of the RAAF’s new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability,” said Ms Bailey.

“The redevelopment will have a positive influence on the area. Over its life, the redevelopment will bring 350 permanent positions to Williamtown — a combination of military, public servants and contractors.”

What’s planned

A new AEW&C aircraft maintenance facility. A new apron area to accommodate four AEW&C aircraft. New and upgraded aviation fuel storage facilities. Overlay works to the runway and taxiways. Replacement of the airfield lighting systems. A new ordnance loading complex. New student accommodation. Upgrade to the base sewage disposal system. Upgrade of the base high voltage reticulation system, including construction of a new central emergency power station. Upgrade of other associated engineering services, including water supply, stormwater disposal and communications infrastructure.

Further works include maintenance hangars for two aircraft, a support centre and new parking areas for four aircraft. The project also covers redevelopment works for the base including improvements to the runway and taxiways at Williamtown.

Current planning is to have the first aircraft on location at RAAF Base Williamtown in 2006 and in-service capability by 2007.

The project was approved by Parliament on September 26, 2002.

.