Overview
The 2024 National Defence Strategy provides a renewed focus on workforce. Investment in modern, contemporary, and fit-for-purpose facilities in which to live, train and work, is critical to achieving this Strategy.
Defence is proposing to undertake redevelopment works at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka, located approximately 9.5 km west of Wagga Wagga NSW.
In 2023, the project was referred to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act). In 2024, DCCEEW determined that the project (the proposed action) constitutes a ‘Controlled Action’ under the EPBC Act.
Defence has prepared Preliminary Documentation which consolidates all the information DCCEEW needs to make its assessment and reach its approval decision. This includes information on how the design of the project has minimised impacts to the environment, considered existing contamination and carefully considered the heritage values of Kapooka in the redevelopment.
Project details
The project is proposing to deliver the following works:
- a new headquarters building
- new Living-in Accommodation, with training, wellbeing, and support facilities
- A Recruit Welfare Facility (including a multi-function centre and retail services)
- new or upgraded engineering services and supporting infrastructure, including a ring road, car parking and pedestrian footpaths
- a new Kapooka Heritage Trail
- expanded chaplaincy and recruit wellbeing facilities
- contractor’s precinct with dedicated land management compound
- clothing and Q-Store
- explosive ordnance storage and distribution facilities
- an expanded weapons range.
Consultation
The project was made available for public comment on the DCCEEW EPBC Act Public Portal website, when it was first referred to DCCEEW.
Public consultation periods:
- The first 10 business day period was 24 November 2023 to 12 December 2023.
- The second 10 business day period is open from 28 August to 10 September 2024.
Preliminary Documentation
The Preliminary Documentation is available.
Blamey Barracks Kapooka Redevelopment Project (EPBC 2023/09649) (PDF, 20.28 MB)
Hard copies of the Preliminary Documentation is available from 28 August to 10 September 2024 at the following locations:
- NSW State Library
1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000
- Wagga Wagga City Library
243 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
For assistance in accessing the Preliminary Documentation, such as for those whom English is a second language or who have a vision impairment, can contact 1800 290 601.
Public comments are to be received by 5 pm (AEST) on 10 September 2024 via email to depac.advice@defence.gov.au.