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Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has announced that the airfield at HMAS Albatross will receive a major upgrade as part of a $124 million infrastructure project.
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The $124 million project will provide a significant boost for local jobs and the economy in the Shoalhaven, delivering an average daily workforce of 75 workers, which will peak at a daily workforce of 120. The upgrade will include resurfacing runways, taxiways and aprons, concrete pathway reconstruction, airfield lighting upgrades and stormwater drain repairs.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said, “This significant investment in HMAS Albatross demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to the Shoalhaven as a vital Defence aviation hub for the nation.”
Contractor BMD Construction Group is delivering the project and will source up to 90 per cent of supplies from the local area or wider region, with work due to start in September and finish in early 2025.
“This airfield upgrade will support the expansion of the Navy’s Romeo helicopter fleet, which will grow the region’s world-class defence industry, involved in helicopter maintenance, support and logistics," Minister Conroy said.
Local federal member Fiona Phillips welcomed the government's announcement saying, “Nowra is a proud Navy town. This is an exciting project for Nowra and across our region, which will inject more than $100 million into our regional economy. Importantly, this upgrade will support the increasing number of Seahawk Romeos based here, which is good for local jobs and training, as well as supporting our community.”
This will ensure the airfield continues to safely support Navy operations, including for the fleet of MH-60R Seahawk “Romeo” helicopters, which is being expanded from the current 23 to 36 aircraft from mid-2025.
HMAS Albatross is the largest operational Naval establishment and the Navy’s only Air Station. The primary task of HMAS Albatross is to support the five naval squadrons, which provide air support to the fleet. HMAS Albatross is also home to the Fleet Air Arm Museum (formerly known as, and now incorporating, Australia’s Museum of Flight). The museum is a high-profile tourist attraction and a visit is highly recommended.
Albatross is located approximately 6 kilometres from Nowra, (population of 90,000 for the Shoalhaven area). Nowra boasts a major shopping centre, public and private hospitals, TAFE College, cinema complex, and a variety of other entertainment options.
