Minister for Defence Materiel and Science - Work begins on $71.8m project at RAAF Base Amberley

Construction has begun on new facilities at RAAF Base Amberley, in Queensland, to support the relocation of 17th Construction Squadron.

Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, the Hon Mal Brough MP, has turned the first sod on a $71.8 million project.

“The new facilities are expected to be completed by early November 2016 and will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities to work, operate, maintain and support Army’s efforts, both in war time and in peace,” Minister Brough said.

“This $71.8 million project will have economic benefits in and around the Ipswich region, with significant opportunities for local industry during the construction period.”

17th Construction Squadron is a sub-unit of 6th Engineer Support Regiment, which provides construction and military engineering support to the wider Australian Defence Force.

The relocation of the Squadron with its regimental headquarters, which is already located at Amberley, will support significant improvements to their operational effectiveness.

Minister Brough said that the 17th Construction Squadron has an important role within the defence force.

“The Squadron has supported a number of overseas operations and has been involved in the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program since it commenced in 1996,” Minister Brough said.

It is expected that the 17th Construction Squadron will relocated from Holsworthy Barracks in NSW to RAAF Base Amberley in January 2017

Local contractors interested in potential employment opportunities should contact the Head Contractor, WATPAC.

Media note:

Imagery is available on the Defence image gallery at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20153550

Media contacts:

Minister Brough’s office: 0477 395 356

Defence Media: (02) 6127 1999