iscover
Four separate investments in upgrades to defence facilities across Tasmania have been announced by the Commonwealth government.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton has announced a $30 million commitment to enhance ADF Reserve and Cadet facilities in four locations across Tasmania.
This includes:
- $23 million at Derwent Barracks Multi User Depot;
- $4 million at Wivenhoe Depot, Burnie;
- $2.7 million at Kokoda Barracks, Devonport; and
- $850,000 at Training Ship (TS) Emu, Burnie.
Works at TS Emu are expected to involve replacing a damaged water main to restore water supply to the building used by the cadets and measures to reduce erosion of the sea wall and guard against damage to the facility.
This is set to be facilitated through the Department of Defence’s Estate Works Program (EWP), with physical construction works expected to commence in late June 2022.
These projects form part of the $1 billion package announced last month.
This includes $53 million in accelerated infrastructure upgrades to 18 cadet facilities over the next year, targeting a 10 per cent increase in the number of ADF Cadets from approximately 28,308 to over 31,000.
In addition to upgraded facilities, the investment would support the development of new mentoring and upskilling initiatives across a range of disciplines.
The initiatives are set to employ active personnel, reservists and veterans, tasked with providing administrative support, while also providing opportunities to local and Indigenous suppliers and contractors.
“We want to provide improved opportunities for cadets through a number of avenues, including better facilities, enhanced experiences, mentoring and relevant skilling,” Minister Dutton said.
“All ADF cadets, whether it be Navy, Army or Air Force, learn discipline, civic-mindedness, and useful life skills, while also kindling an interest in the ADF and the Morrison government is proud to support them.”
