Referral of Work

On 29 March 2006, the proposal for the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle facilities project, Enoggera, Queensland was referred to the Public Works Committee for consideration and report in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 (the Act).¹ The proponent agency for this work is the Department of Defence (Defence).

The Hon Gary Nairn MP, Special Minister of State, advised the House that the estimated cost of the proposed works was $17.45 million. Subject to parliamentary approval, the works would be committed late this year, for completion by October 2007.

Background

Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera

The land on which Gallipoli Barracks is situated was purchased in 1908 for the establishment and training of Defence units and to provide for rifle range facilities. The current role of Gallipoli Barracks is to provide a base for 7 th Brigade, the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, associated full time and Reserve land forces and training and logistic units. Gallipoli Barracks accommodates over 2,600 regular uniformed personnel, 3,000 Reservists and more than 200 civilian and contract personnel.²

The proposed works is confined to Gallipoli Barracks, which is located in Enoggera approximately seven kilometres from Brisbane’s central business district.³ The site is Commonwealth owned and Defence controlled, and the proposed work does not require the acquisition of additional land.⁴

Inquiry Process

The Committee is required by the Act to consider public works over $6 million⁵ and report to Parliament on:

• the purpose of the work and its suitability for that purpose;
• the need for, or the advisability of, carrying out the work;
• whether the money to be expended on the work is being spent in the most cost effective manner;
• the amount of revenue the work will generate for the Commonwealth, if that is its purpose; and
• the present and prospective public value of the work.⁶

The Committee called for submissions by advertising the inquiry in The Courier Mail on Saturday, 6 May 2006. The Committee also sought submissions from relevant government agencies, private organisations and individuals, who may be materially affected by, or have an interest in, the proposed work. The Committee subsequently placed submissions and other information relating to the inquiry on its web site in order to encourage further public participation.

Inspection and Public Hearing

On 29 June 2006 the Committee visited Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera and inspected the site and environs of the proposed works. A confidential briefing from the Department of Defence and a public hearing were held at Gallipoli Barracks later that day.⁷

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 4 Back