Mr SLIPPER (4:26 PM) —I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: Housing Development at Parap Grove, Darwin.

The aim of the Defence Housing Authority is to provide housing for members of the Australian Defence Force and their families. The volume and location of housing provided must meet the operational requirements of the Australian Defence Force and other needs of the Department of Defence.

The Defence Housing Authority proposes to spot purchase 50 project homes within the Parap Grove development located within the Darwin suburb of Ludmilla, an established residential suburb located reasonably close to the city centre. This development will offer the Australian Defence Force personnel and their families a secure suburban environment with good access to community facilities, such as shops, schools, public transport and recreational facilities.

The Defence Housing Authority considers the spot purchase of these houses to be a sound commercial option. Market investigations have found that serviced land availability for detached dwellings in Darwin and its surrounding area is limited and there is a lack of suitable established Darwin residences for spot purchase.

These houses are required to be online and available for the December 1999 to end January 2000 posting cycle for the Australian Defence Force. The estimated cost of the proposal is $17.15 million at July 1999 prices. Subject to parliamentary approval, the Defence Housing Authority intends to enter into an agreement with the developer to spot purchase these project homes in November 1999. Settlement is to be completed by the end of January 2000 to coincide with the posting cycle of the Australian Defence Force. I commend the motion to the House.

Question resolved in the affirmative.