Mr SLIPPER (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration) (4:32 PM) —I move:

The Defence Housing Authority proposes a major redevelopment at Enoggera adjoining the Army Barracks in Brisbane. The role of the Defence Housing Authority is to provide suitable housing to meet the operational needs of the Australian Defence Force and the requirements of the Department of Defence. The Defence Housing Authority satisfies Defence accommodation requirements by a mixture of construction off-base with a view to retaining the properties or selling them with a lease attached; construction on-base to accord with Defence operational or policy requirements and/or if such construction is the most cost effective for all concerned; direct purchase with a view to retaining the properties or selling them with a lease attached; and direct leases from the private rental market. All options are being pursued to meet the significant Defence requirement for residences in the Brisbane area. In locations such as Brisbane where there is a high level of Defence demand, constructed housing delivered through bulk procurement contracts is the most effective provisioning option.

Enoggera is a rapid response deployment facility, and housing of Australian Defence Force members close to their units is preferred. The location of the proposed site adjoining the Enoggera Army Barracks satisfies this additional requirement. The site will also offer Defence members and their families a secure suburban environment within six kilometres of the Brisbane central business district with good access to community facilities such as shops, schools, public transport and recreational facilities.

The land for this project has been made available by the demolition of 41 substandard houses which were no longer useable as satisfactory accommodation for Defence. This project involves redeveloping the site by subdividing it to provide a maximum of 69 houses, consisting of 10 single detached houses and 59 double storey and/or highset detached houses. The proposed project will have a positive effect on the local economy during the construction period, with up to 80 persons working directly on the site and many more off site supplying material, plant and equipment. The estimated cost of the proposal is $15.8 million. Subject to parliamentary and Defence Housing Authority board approval, the construction program is planned to commence in April next year with delivery of completed dwellings planned for December next year. I commend the motion to the House.

Question resolved in the affirmative.