Purpose |
| 2.1 |
The proposal aims to provide new and upgraded facilities for handlers/trainers, dog kennelling and training to enable the AFP to meet the increasing demand for canine services within Australia and overseas.1
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| 2.2 |
The proposed facility will:
- produce canine teams for the detection of firearms, explosives and drugs;2 and
- provide services for ongoing annual re-certification of canines and handlers, along with regular maintenance and re-programming to remain current with explosive making technology.3
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Need |
| 2.3 |
Following from the 2005 Wheeler Review, the AFP is required to utilise dogs at 11 major Australian airports. This will involve an increase in the number of dogs and handlers along with associated accommodation and training facilities.4
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| 2.4 |
An additional 22 handlers and 44 canines will give the AFP a canine service of around 60 handlers and 85 to 90 canines.5
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| 2.5 |
The current canine facilities, located at Majura, were set up in the mid -1980s and are inadequate. They comprise only kennels and a hut for kennel management, with a capacity for 6 dogs. AFP handlers currently operate from leased accommodation at Fairbairn, ACT, and their dogs are housed in kennels at Majura, Fairbairn and Fyshwick.6
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Cost |
| 2.6 |
The proposed cost of the works is $10.2 million excluding GST. This figure includes:
- cost of the facilities;
- infrastructure,
- consultants fees;
- design; and
- contingencies and escalation.7
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Scope |
| 2.7 |
The proposed facilities will be comprised of:
- 46 kennels (40 new, six refurbished). These will be divided into 20 each for drugs detection and firearms and explosives detection;
- 12 isolation kennels (10 new, two refurbished), to separate dogs that may contract any sickness or disease.
- Two new quarantine kennels to accommodate dogs returned from overseas deployment;
- an advanced training shed;
- workshops;
- magazines and vaults for the storage of explosives, firearms and drugs;
- an extended and refurbished kennel management facility;
- a new building to accommodate handlers, trainers and the ACT Community Policing Dog Team; and
- associated site works and infrastructure.8
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| 2.8 |
The proposed works will accommodate up to 50 dogs and up to 19 handlers.9
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Project Delivery |
| 2.9 |
Subject to parliamentary approval, construction will commence in November 2006. The project is to be delivered by project management using trade contracts because of the need to have the facility progressively completed and operational over the period July to November 2007.10
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