Chapter 2 The Proposed Works

Purpose

2.1                   The purpose of the proposed refurbishment is to ensure that RAAF Base Amberley can operate effectively as a Defence base over a thirty year planning horizon and will involve:

n  providing new working accommodation and infrastructure for the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and 9^th Support Battalion elements;

n  upgrading of existing aircraft pavements for MRTT operations; and

n  upgrading and refurbishing the Base’s engineering services and infrastructure.[1]

Need

2.2                   The relocation from RAAF Base Richmond of No. 33 Squadron (RAAF’s air to air refuelling capability) and the arrival of new MRTT aircraft at the end of 2008 requires the provision of new facilities as there are no suitable existing facilities at RAAF Base Amberley.[2]

2.3                   9^th Force Support Battalion provides strategic heavy lift vehicles to convey tanks, armoured vehicles, major construction plant, and bulk stores.  Elements of the 9^th Force Support Battalion, which are currently located in Townsville, Randwick, Moorebank, Richmond and Puckapunyal, are to be relocated to RAAF Base Amberley.  Consolidating these elements at Amberley requires the provision of new facilities as there are no suitable existing facilities at the Base.[3]

2.4                   The existing base infrastructure is operational, but is ageing.  Some services, such as water and sewer reticulations, require major replacement or significant upgrading.[4]  The proposal will also address the current shortcomings in the existing communications and trunk road systems.[5]

Scope

2.5                   The proposed scope for the MRTT include:

n  a new aircraft parking apron with an aircraft washpoint;

n  a new Squadron Headquarters, Maintenance Complex and Ground Support Equipment shelter;

n  an extension to the refuelling system with hydrant points on the apron;

n  upgrades to the main runway and parallel taxiway;

n  a new office facility for the Logistics Management Unit; and

n  a simulator facility (included in acquisition contract).[6]

2.6                   The proposed scope for the 9^th Force Support Battalion include:

n  a new combined Battalion Headquarters and Logistic Supply Company office and stores building;

n  new office, stores and maintenance facilities for 26 Transport Squadron;

n  a new area fuel and vehicle washpoint; and

n  new office and stores facilities for 37^th Force Support Company and a separate Petrol Platoon complex.[7]

2.7                   The proposed scope for the Base Engineering Services Infrastructure Upgrade include:

n  upgrading of the electrical reticulation, central emergency power station and service supervisory systems;

n  upgrading of the water, sewerage and stormwater reticulation (including rehabilitation of the Sewerage Treatment Plant);

n  upgrading of the communications infrastructure and networks; and

n  providing new link roads and an upgrade of an existing road.[8]

Project Delivery

2.8                   Subject to parliamentary approval, the RAAF Base Amberley Redevelopment Stage Two project is proposed to commence in the latter half of 2005 and be completed by December 2007.[9]

2.9                   The project delivery system will be a combination of Managing Contractor (used to deliver the MRTT facilities and for upgrading the engineering services infrastructure) and Head Contractor (used to deliver 9^th Force Support Battalion facilities).  A project manger has been engaged to represent Defence and to act as contract administrator for the entire project.[10]

Cost

2.10               The estimated out-turn cost of the proposed redevelopment is $285.6 million.  This figure includes:

n  construction costs;

n  fitout;

n  professional fees;

n  furniture and fittings; and

n  a contingency sum.[11]