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Wagga Wagga Defence sites will benefit from the government’s $10 billion investment into NSW defence facilities. The freshly-minted 2020 Force Structure Plan lays out a number of equipment and capability upgrades, which the Defence Minister said will ensure the city’s continued strategic importance to the defence of Australia.
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The city hosts the Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) at Kapooka and Royal Australian Air Force Base Wagga at Forest Hill, and is currently Australia's only tri-service city. Building on $960 million worth of investment earmarked for the city in the 2016 Defence White Paper, the projects recently announced include the redevelopment of facilities at Blamey Barracks, according to Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds.
“Wagga Wagga’s Defence bases provide initial training for every soldier, airman and airwoman in the Army and Air Force. Many Non-Commissioned Officers and officers post to Wagga as instructors at some stage in their career,” Minister Reynolds said.
“Wagga Wagga will continue to play a vital role building the ADF Australia needs by shaping the ADF’s biggest asset – its people.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack welcomed the confirmation of major investment into Wagga Wagga. As the member for Riverina – which captures Wagga Wagga – he insists that he "fought hard" to secure the $1 billion of funding tied to the White Paper.
Deputy PM McCormack said he was delighted Defence planned to maximise local content associated with the upgrades, which would deliver massive flow-on effects for the regional economy.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price added that the projects are designed to get best value for money for taxpayers, while maximising local industry involvement in the delivery of facilities and infrastructure.
“These projects will focus heavily on base infrastructure, such as electrical, ICT and water remediation,” Minister Price said.
“Further detail will be announced as the projects develop, and will include information to help local small businesses win work through the government’s Local Industry Capability Plan initiative.”
