Chapter 2 The Proposed Works
Purpose
2.1
The purpose of the proposed works is to provide facilities and
infrastructure to support the introduction of four Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy
airlift aircraft, the acquisition of which was announced by the Minister for
Defence in March 2006. The aircraft will be based at RAAF Base Amberley (Qld),
with support facilities being provided at RAAF Base Darwin (NT), RAAF Base
Edinburgh (SA), RAAF Base Pearce (WA) and RAAF Base Townsville (Qld).[1]
Need
2.2
This project is being undertaken in response to a Government initiative
associated with the acquisition of new C-17 heavy lift aircraft that will
enhance the heavy air lift requirements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The increased aircraft weight, dimensions, fuel and cargo capacity requires an
investment in airfield infrastructure and cargo preparation and handling
facilities principally at RAAF Base Amberley with other infrastructure
modifications to be undertaken at bases elsewhere.[2]
Scope of works
2.3
No. 36 Squadron, recently deployed from RAAF Base Richmond to RAAF Base
Amberley, will operate the aircraft.[3]
2.4
The proposed works at RAAF Base Amberley will include the provision of:
n a newly constructed
combined headquarters, and a maintenance and logistics building for No. 36
Squadron;
n a new air movements
terminal and cargo hanger;
n a C-17 simulator for
flight crew, loadmaster and maintenance crew training;
n a new warehouse for
C-17 spare parts and shelters for the C-17 and air movements ground support
equipment;
n new and refurbished
workshop space for C-17 specialist support equipment and aircraft maintenance;
and
n field pavement work,
including:
- the
construction of a new combined C-17 and air movements aircraft parking apron
with hydrant refuelling;
- widening
and strengthening of taxiways; and
- a new
apron for loading explosive ordnance cargo.[4]
Options considered
2.5
At RAAF Base Amberley, Defence considered opportunities to re-use or
expand existing facilities, as opposed to the construction of new facilities.
The existing Air Movement terminals at RAAF Base Amberley is over 30 years old
and has no residual economic value, and although the building is in generally
good condition, there is limited scope for expansion. Consequently it was
concluded that the most viable and cost effective option is to construct new
facilities.
2.6
In terms of siting facilities at RAAF Base Amberley the department considered
a number of options that involved either the reconstruction of the air movements
terminal separate to No. 36 Squadron facilities, or the development of an air lift
precinct meeting the air movement requirements of No. 36 Squadron and No. 33
Squadron.
2.7
The preferred option is to provide a new air lift precinct based around
the No. 33 Squadron hangar and apron currently under construction. It
co-locates similar functions, which rationalises the pavement for aircraft
parking, reduces the number of aircraft movements from their squadron apron to
air movements and allows space for future expansion for either additional
aircraft or any other relocated elements from the Air Lift Group.[5]
Project Delivery
2.8
The proposed delivery system for RAAF Base
Amberley will be by way of a Managing Contractor. This methodology has been
selected on the basis of the scope, the risk of disrupting base activities, the
value of the works and any interdependencies with other concurrent projects. A
single Project Manager has been engaged to represent Defence and to act as
Contract Administrator for the whole of the project.[6]
Cost
2.9
The estimated out-turn cost of this project is $268.2 million across
five bases. This includes:
n construction costs;
n management and
design fees;
n furniture, fittings
and equipment; and
n contingencies and
escalation.[7]