New HQ approved

A proposal to build Defence’s new joint operational headquarters near Bungendore in NSW has been approved by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.

The works will cover the construction of facilities and infrastructure and the installation of the command, control, communications and information systems to provide a more responsive and flexible operational command and control capability for the ADF.

Construction of the $300 million headquarters is scheduled to start in the middle of next year. Preliminary engineering and design studies have been undertaken.

It is expected the new headquarters will be fully operational in 2007-08. A two-stage tender process for the headquarters has begun, with companies asked in April to register interest in financing, constructing and maintaining the facility and providing ancillary services.

When the facility is commissioned, Defence will lease the headquarters for a term of 30 years, according to Defence Minister Robert Hill.

 

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