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| Budget bonanza By Barry Rollings Edition 4908, 17 May, 2007 |
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The $63 million will provide base trunk engineering services, civil works and infrastructure upgrades, including working accommodation, workshops, and airside infrastructure upgrades to support the introduction of the KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) capability and the relocation of the 9th Force Support Battalion. The total project cost is $285.6 million over the life of the project. The works to support the relocation of 9th Force Support Battalion include workshops, administration buildings, hardstands and vehicle shelters. The works for the MRTT aircraft include construction of administration buildings, airfield pavement upgrades, maintenance facilities and the provision of hydrant refuelling. The engineering services works will include refurbishment and upgrading of the electrical reticulation, trunk communications, water, stormwater and sewerage infrastructure. Construction began in March 2006 and all key facilities are expected to be completed later this year. At RAAF Base Williamtown, $13.7 million will be spent on stage one of the base’s redevelopment, as well as Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) works. This project has provided a range of new and redeveloped facilities and infrastructure necessary to upgrade the base and for the introduction into service of the AEW&C capability. The remaining project element, construction of an ordnance loading complex, will begin soon, with completion anticipated by mid-2008. In NSW and Victoria, the relocation of the RAAF College’s 1RTU from RAAF Base Edinburgh to RAAF Base Wagga and OTS from RAAF Base Williams (Point Cook) to RAAF Base East Sale will cost $25 million. The project will provide working accommodation, training facilities and living-in accommodation for college staff and students. Construction began in April last year and is on schedule for completion by mid-2008. At RAAF Base Townsville, the troop lift helicopter facilities project will cost $14.4 million and will provide a combination of new and refurbished facilities to support the introduction of the new helicopter at the 5th Aviation Regiment. The new helicopter will be accommodated in the existing regimental area. This will require modifications to existing aircraft shelters, workshops and the parts store, and the construction of a new training facility, mission planning facility and other support facilities. Construction began earlier this year and all facilities are scheduled for completion in early 2008.
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