Mr LINDSAY (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence) (9:45 AM) —I move:

The Department of Defence intends to undertake stage 1 of the redevelopment of RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia, at an estimated outturn cost of $142.2 million, plus GST. RAAF Base Pearce is a major military airbase in Western Australia. The base primarily supports flying training and additionally supports overseas deployments and transit operations.

This is the first redevelopment plan for RAAF Base Pearce and it seeks to address the aged, substandard and dysfunctional infrastructure and facilities which do not comply with current standards. It will enhance defence capability by enabling personnel mobility, morale, esprit de corps, training outcomes, attraction and retention.

The redevelopment project will involve replacement of base-wide engineering services, a new fuel farm, a new quality control centre, a new combined mess, an upgrade to the air movements terminal, an upgrade to the training aircraft maintenance hangar, a new noise attenuated engine run-up facility for the resident training aircraft, new live-in accommodation for cadet pilots and the demolition of redundant facilities.

In its report, the Joint Standing Committee on Public Works has recommended that these works proceed, subject to the recommendations of the committee. The Department of Defence accepts and will implement those recommendations. Subject to parliamentary approval, the further design and construction will commence in late 2007, and it is anticipated to be completed by mid-2011. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for its support. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.