Big moves afoot for RAAFCOL

BIG changes are in store for RAAF College (RAAFCOL), when two of its three training schools move bases as part of a major relocation project.

Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill announced the $133 million project on June 23, delivering on the Federal Government’s commitment to relocate the Air Force’s airmen and officer training elements.

RAAFCOL comprises No. 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU), which conducts initial airmen training at RAAF Base Edinburgh, Officer Training School (OTS), which conducts initial officer training at RAAF Williams -Point Cook, and the School of Postgraduate Studies (SFS), which conducts postgraduate courses at RAAF Base Wagga.

SFS also incorporates Airmen Leadership Flight, which includes corporal promotion centres at RAAF Bases Amberley and Richmond.

As part of the project, 1RTU will collocate with SFS at RAAF Base Wagga, and OTS will move to RAAF Base East Sale.

Wagga is the largest ground training base, conducting all tri-service technical trade training, as well as airmen and officer postgraduate training. East Sale trains navigators, air traffic controllers and photographers.

Senator Hill said the project would be considered by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, which will be conducting a public hearing as early as August this year.

“I am committed to delivering this important capability as soon as possible and I have directed Defence to proceed quickly to finalise the design of the facilities, and to progress with construction works,” he said.

“Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction works should commence before the end of the year.”

After the relocation, an extra 600 officers would be trained at East Sale, and an extra 1200 airmen/women would be trained at Wagga.

The new facilities would provide the Air Force with a modern working environment that would enhance their training facility.

The project would involve the provision of living and working accommodation as well as training facilities at both bases.

“The purpose-built facilities will significantly contribute to enhancing the skills for our service men and women,” Senator Hill said.

“Ongoing community consultations in the regions have been an important part of this project, and the Federal Government will continue to work with the local communities as the project develops.”

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