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Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price has announced that the Townsville economy will receive a $40 million boost through Defence works at RAAF Base Townsville, highlighting the government’s local procurement policies.
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The project includes new aircraft shelters, a support facility, working accommodation and tarmac parking for three Chinooks for the 5th Aviation Regiment at RAAF Base Townsville.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the new facilities for Defence’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters are being constructed using local companies and employees.
“Some 90 per cent of the project is being delivered by local businesses. Through our Local Capability Industry Plan, we’ve ensured that local businesses deliver the lion’s share of this project,” Minister Price said.
“With so much uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a welcome boost to the local economy.”
Federal member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson OAM, said the project manager Aurecon has engaged a local design team, Conrad Gargett, and local construction personnel under the contractor, Lendlease.
“We’re doing a significant amount of work on local Defence infrastructure at the moment and I’m always pushing for our very capable local contractors to be involved so it’s great to see that happening with this project,” Thompson said.
Two local students from James Cook University have also been employed and will be working with Lendlease on the project based at RAAF Base Townsville.
Thompson said the timing of these works, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic, is providing important support for the local economy.
RAAF Base Townsville is an important forward operating base located north-west of Townsville, it is home to:
- No 383 Squadron - contingency response;
- No 452 Squadron Townsville Flight - air traffic control;
- No 27 (City of Townsville) Squadron - airbase operations;
- No 38 Squadron (38SQN);
- Combat Survival Training School - evasion and escape training;
- Army's No 5 Aviation Regiment - Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters;
- 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron Detachment Townsville; and
- No 2 Security Squadron detachment Townsville.
“The project is expected to be complete later this year with around 400 workers directly participating in the construction of the new facilities, with the overwhelming majority of these Townsville locals,” Thompson said.
The project works have continued through the COVID-19 pandemic with no adverse impact on productivity.
