Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price has announced two new contracts to support the delivery of major defence health infrastructure at Oakey Army Aviation Centre and Gallipoli Barracks in Queensland.
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Minister Price and federal member for Groom Dr John McVeigh announced that BADGE Constructions (Qld) had been awarded the $11.9 million contract with Defence.
The new health centre is part of a $212.5 million investment by the federal government in Defence health facilities around Australia.
"The construction of the new health care facility will ensure the Australian Defence Force is able to provide quality health services for its personnel. The facility will include primary care including mental health and rehabilitation, inpatient unit, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dental, general support, external works and airfield response," Minister Price explained.
Dr McVeigh said the Commonwealth government’s defence procurement policies are supporting local businesses in achieving a greater share of Defence work.
"Under the government’s Defence Policy for Local Industry Participation, BADGE Constructions are required to maximise opportunities for local businesses to supply goods and services for Defence works," Dr McVeigh said.
Work on the new health care facilities at Oakey Army Aviation Centre is scheduled to commence in late 2019, with completion anticipated by late 2020.
Minister Price also announced that BADGE had secured the $5.1 million contract with Defence to deliver new and improved health facilities, with major upgrades to the existing Health Centre at Gallipoli Barracks.
"The refurbishment of health care facilities will ensure the Australian Defence Force is able to provide quality health services for its personnel," Minister Price added.
"The upgrade works will focus on the relocation of the dental unit into the health centre to enable health and dental services to be delivered from a single location."
Julian Simmonds, member for Ryan, welcomed the announcement: "I’m pleased this important upgrade to facilities at Gallipoli Barracks will not only benefit the soldiers here at Enoggera, but also the local businesses involved in its construction."
Work on the new health care facilities at Gallipoli Barracks is scheduled to commence in late 2019, with completion also anticipated by late 2020.