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Public Works to review $1.5 billion in defence construction projects

Federal Parliament’s Public Works Committee is reviewing significant construction proposals by Defence across Australia worth nearly $1.5 billion and also an embassy refurbishment in Paris.

The Defence Housing Authority proposes the reconstruction of housing on Larrakeyah Barracks, Darwin, at an estimated cost of $57.5 million. The proposed 97 new homes would replace ageing houses, bringing on-base accommodation up to the standard of the Department of Defence’s New Housing Classification Policy.

The Enhanced Land Force Stage 2 (ELF 2) project proposes improvements at 12 existing Defence sites across five Australian States and Territories. If approved, the project would spend $1.4 billion in regional Australia, and provide facilities for the expansion of the Australian Army.

The proposal for the Australian Embassy in Paris, France, would see the midlife refurbishment of engineering services at an estimated cost of $28.3 million, for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Embassy was designed by Australian architect Harry Seidler, and the proposed works would ensure the viability of the building into the future, as well as incorporating higher energy efficiency standards.

The Public Works Committee is responsible for ensuring that the need, cost and scope proposed for the works is appropriate.

The Committee is interested to ensure that each project represents value for money and adheres to the highest environmental, disability-access and energy efficient standards.

The Committee is keen to hear a wide range of views on the proposed development and public submissions on the proposal are welcomed.

“These proposed works represent significant expenditure by the Australian government and the Committee is interested to ensure that each project fulfils its purpose as well as being suitable for its climatic conditions,” said Senator McLucas. “These projects are large in scope and would affect many communities across Australia, and the Committee encourages all interested members of the community to contribute to the inquiries.”

Full details on the proposal and details of the public hearing will soon be available on the Committee’s website. Submissions close on 15 October 2009.

NB the Public Works Committee is neither involved in the tendering process nor the awarding of contracts. Enquiries on those matters should be addressed to the Department Finance and Deregulation.

More information

Visit: Standing Committee on Public Works