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Dateline - June 23rd, 2006
$76 million HMAS Cairns redevelopment approved


I am pleased to announce that a project to redevelop the Naval base at HMAS CAIRNS, in Cairns, Queensland, has been recommended to proceed by the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Public Works and that this recommendation has been approved by Parliament. The proposed facilities, which are budgeted at $76.3 million, will support all Navy vessels planned to be home ported at HMAS CAIRNS, including four new Armidale Class Patrol Boats, and other vessels currently operating in Far North Queensland.

The proposal comprises marine works, refurbishment and adaptive re-use of existing buildings, construction of new buildings, civil works, temporary facilities and minor works, services works, demolition works, and several key property acquisitions. The redevelopment will include new medical facilities and additional fitness facilities required to support operational training and maintain general fitness, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to Defence personnel.

Defence will incorporate the naval cadet unit Training Ship Endeavour into HMAS CAIRNS and has negotiated an in-principle agreement with the community groups that support the cadets to purchase the land and facilities forming Training Ship Endeavour and lease the facilities back to the Cairns Navy League. HMAS CAIRNS is a crucial part of Navy infrastructure and an important part of the Cairns community. The redevelopment of the base provides a significant boost to the local economy and highlights the Government’s commitment to an ongoing naval presence in Cairns. It also reaffirms our commitment to providing facilities to support our people.

I would like to thank the Member for Leichhardt, the Hon Warren Entsch, for his ongoing support for this project, and HMAS CAIRNS in general. Construction is planned to commence in August 2006 and be completed by mid 2009.