Joint Media Release
- Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett
- Senator for Queensland, Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald
Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett today announced that negotiations for the managing contract for the planning phase of the North Queensland Mid-Term Refresh Program have been completed.
The $4.9 million contract will be awarded to a joint venture between F.K. Gardner and AECOM (FKG AECOM).
Minister Fawcett said the contract was part of a $120 million program to deliver infrastructure upgrades to support ADF capability requirements at RAAF Base Townsville, Townsville Field Training Area and HMAS Cairns.
“This investment will ensure the ongoing sustainability of critical support infrastructure and improve the capability of the Defence estate into the future,” Minister Fawcett said.
“The program is part of the Local Industry Capability Plan pilot and reflects Defence’s commitment to delivering major infrastructure projects in Queensland and maximising opportunities for local industry.
“I am pleased to report that FKG AECOM has committed to engaging 100 per cent of its sub-contractor workforce across planning and delivery phases from the local area.
“The program will see an expected $4.7 million investment in local designers and professional industries in the planning phase, and an anticipated $82.7 million in the delivery phase for local businesses, labour and construction material suppliers.”
Townsville-based Senator Ian Macdonald has welcomed the investment into the local economy under the North Queensland Mid-Term Refresh Program.
“This project will provide opportunities for local jobs and economic activity in the region, which will benefit the local community,” Senator Macdonald said.
Minister Fawcett said the program would create opportunities for small to medium enterprises through ongoing training.
“The FKG AECOM joint venture has also undertaken to support the upskilling of local industry capability through targeting aiming for 10 per cent of their workforce being made up of trainees or apprentices,” Minister Fawcett said.
Subject to Government and Parliamentary approval, construction will commence in 2020 and is anticipated to be complete in late 2023.
