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Construction of a $95 million Naval Guided Weapons Maintenance Facility is set to begin in Orchard Hills, Sydney, after Watpac was announced as head contractor of the project.
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The announcement was made by Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price and federal member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, with confirmation that work on the project would begin within weeks.
“The new facility will enhance maintenance components for Navy’s guided weapons systems, directly supporting the operations of the Australian Defence Force,” Minister Price said.
“It will include working accommodation for 30 personnel, receipt and dispatch areas, a maintenance workshop and specialised electronic test facilities for naval guided weapons systems.”
McIntosh said the Morrison government’s defence procurement policies are supporting local businesses in achieving a greater share of Defence work.
“We know that guided weapons inventory has evolved significantly and this will continue. Looking to the future, western Sydney will be at the forefront of defence technology and advanced manufacturing and this is another project unlocking opportunities for our community. Locally, we will be driving technology that will be used across the country by our Australian Defence Force,” said McIntosh.
“This $95 million investment and Watpac committing to sourcing 95 per cent of their sub-contract work from local industry within 50 kilometres of Defence Establishment Orchard Hills is a win for western Sydney jobs. I formed the Lindsay Jobs of the Future Forum to encourage our kids to be educated and trained in the jobs coming to western Sydney and I look forward to seeing our defence technology evolve right here in Orchard Hills.”
Construction is scheduled to commence in November 2019, with completion by July 2021.
