Chapter 3 The Proposed Works

Purpose

3.1                   The purpose of the proposed works is to relocate the Land Engineering Agency (LEA) Test Services from Defence Site Maribyrnong (DSM) to the Monegeetta Proving Ground.  The Maribyrnong site has been identified as surplus to Defence and Commonwealth Government requirements and is to be disposed of once all units currently located at the site have been relocated, which in the case of LEA, will be following construction on the site at Monegeetta.[1]

Need

3.2                   The need for the proposed works arises from the decision to dispose of the former site used by the LEA at Maribyrnong, and the opportunity to locate the LEA at one site rather than two which has previously been the case.  Further, the relocation of the LEA from its former site in Maribyrnong will hasten the disposal of the DSM property when works at Monegeetta have been completed.[2]

Scope

3.3                   Defence submitted that the proposed works will include new facilities; refurbishment of existing facilities; and upgrade to site infrastructure.

New Facilities

3.4                   New facilities include:

n  construction of a new Enclosed Light Armaments Facility (ELAF) to accommodate LCS functions.  The ELAF will provide floor space of approximately 920 square metres including:

• a magazine and armoury; and
• two fully enclosed firing tunnels (25 metres long and 100 metres long).

n  construction of a new laboratory, workshop, and administration building of approximately 4,730 square metres to support Accredited Test Services (ATS) functions.  This building will include:

• an Electronic and Communications Laboratory (ECL) providing: Electro-Optics capability; Electro-Magnetic Compatibility chambers; and Electrical Testing and Calibration; and
• a Mechanical and Environmental Laboratory (MEL) providing: large climatic chamber; large cold chamber; small climatic chambers; mechanical calibration facility; heavy vibration test facility; and static and dynamic displacement and force measurement testing facility; and driving rain simulation facility.

n  construction of a new Petrols, Oils and Lubricants (POL) store.[3]

Refurbishment of Existing Facilities

3.5                   Modifications to the existing headquarters building includes:

n  accommodating new communications and security facilities; and

n  providing disabled access through construction of a new ramp and entry.[4]

Site Infrastructure Upgrade

3.6                   The existing site infrastructure requires upgrade to support the additional facilities.  The infrastructure works includes:

n  a minor upgrade of the storm water and sewer services;

n  separating the domestic water supply to provide a dedicated fire service as required by the Country Fire Authority;

n  installing a new substation to meet the increased power demand;

n  constructing roads to new buildings; and

n  landscaping.[5]

Project Delivery

3.7                   A head contract delivery system is proposed for this project.  According to Defence, this form of delivery is particularly well suited to projects where the scope is well defined and works can be constructed unhindered by operational constraints.  Specialist sub-contractors will be identified for the supply of specialised equipment.[6]

3.8                   A project manager has been appointed to represent Defence and act as contract administrator for development of the project.  A designer has been appointed to prepare designs and, subject to parliamentary clearance of the project, will finalise the design documentation and undertake inspection services during the construction phase.[7]