On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the Committee’s second report of 2009, Referral made

February 2009.

The report addresses the RAAF Base Edinburgh Redevelopment Stage 2, Adelaide, South Australia, valued at $99.56m, referred to the Committee on 26 February 2009.

The RAAF Base Edinburgh Redevelopment Stage 2 proposal will provide a range of new refurbished facilities to meet the functional requirements of several Air Force units, enhance base security and upgrade engineering services at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

During the public hearing in Adelaide the Committee enquired about the impact of the project on the local area. The Committee is satisfied that local companies and workers will be competitive in securing contracts on the project and welcomes this level of employment activity in the Adelaide region. The Committee was also pleased to hear that the Department of Defence is taking steps to alleviate traffic congestion around the Edinburgh Defence Precinct.

Mr President, the Committee commends the environmentally sustainable initiatives taken by the Department of Defence at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct, including installing electricity sub meters and implementing strategies to reduce demand for potable water. The Committee considers that these initiatives will provide a good example of sustainable building practices for other Commonwealth agencies involved in the provision of public works.

The Committee has also made additional commentary in its report encouraging all Commonwealth agencies to lead by example by implementing sustainable water initiatives in government construction.

While a number of issues were raised with the Committee, it has reported on an exception only basis on issues that it thought warranted further comment. I would urge those interested in this work to supplement the report with the transcripts and submissions available on the Committee’s website.

Mr President, the Committee has recommended that the House resolve that the works be carried out.

Mr President, I would like to thank the Members and Senators on the Committee for its work in relation to this inquiry.

Mr President, I commend the report to the House.

Mr President, the Committee commends the environmentally sustainable initiatives taken by the Department of Defence at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct, including installing electricity sub meters and implementing strategies to reduce demand for potable water. The Committee considers that these initiatives will provide a good example of sustainable building practices for other Commonwealth agencies involved in the provision of public works.

The Committee has also made additional commentary in its report encouraging all Commonwealth agencies to lead by example by implementing sustainable water initiatives in government construction.

While a number of issues were raised with the Committee, it has reported on an exception only basis on issues that it thought warranted further comment. I would urge those interested in this work to supplement the report with the transcripts and submissions available on the Committee’s website.

Mr President, the Committee has recommended that the House resolve that the works be carried out.

Mr President, I would like to thank the Members and Senators on the Committee for its work in relation to this inquiry.

Mr President, I commend the report to the House.