The Hon Darren Chester MP
12 Feb 16
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The Hon Darren Chester MP
Assistant Minister for Defence
Media contact
- Brie Colley (Mr Chester’s office) (02) 6277 4029
- James Cannon (Tribunal) 0433 884 238
- Defence Media (02) 6127 1999
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17 July 2014
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, the Hon Darren Chester MP, today welcomed Parliamentary approval of a $54.8 million project for facilities to support the introduction and sustainment of seven new CH-47 Chinook Helicopters.
“The Project will contribute to the modernisation of the Australian Defence Force’s primary Medium Lift Helicopter capability,” Mr Chester said.
The infrastructure and building works are focused on supporting the introduction and sustainment of the incoming seven CH-47F Chinooks, which are replacing six older CH-47D Chinooks at RAAF Base Townsville.
“Over the next three years, this investment will create jobs and provide strong economic benefits to the region, including potential involvement of the local construction industry and sub-contractors as part of the development,” Mr Chester said.
“We expect the construction to create around 50 full-time jobs over the life of the project,” Mr Chester added.
Construction is expected to commence in late 2014 and be completed by mid 2017.
Media contacts:
Chloe Petch (Darren Chester’s office) 0477 395 356
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999