A Federal Government public hearing on the $1.1 billion upgrade at the Tindal RAAF Base is most likely to be held in Katherine.
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Despite Friday's announcement at Tindal by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the spending allocation still has to be signed off by the Parliament, which it is almost certain to do.
Australian law states all public works for the Commonwealth which are estimated to cost more than $15 million must be referred to the committee.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works still has to look closely at the spending detail.
Today it was announced the committee, chaired by Queensland Liberal John McVeigh, would likely hold its public hearing in Katherine on April 21.
The proposed Tindal works include the Redevelopment Stage 6 and United States Force Posture Initiatives RAAF Base Tindal Airfield Works and Associated Infrastructure.
The project was referred to the parliamentary committee this week.
More reading: Drilling down into the Tindal detail.
As announced by Mr Morrison, the aim of the Redevelopment Stage 6 project is to maintain the existing capability at RAAF Base Tindal by addressing functional deficiencies and capacity constraints in existing facilities and infrastructure and to support growth in demand from the increasing operational tempo.
The proposed works include:
- New Permanent Living In Accommodation;
- Upgrades to services including power, water, fire protection, sewerage and stormwater;
- New Control and Reporting Unit Facilities and Visiting Squadron Facility; and
- Upgrades to Security Force Amenities Facility.
The aim of the USFPI airfield works project is to increase the capacity of RAAF Base Tindal to support KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport operations, which are a key part of the core Air Power role of air mobility, and in particular air-to-air refuelling and air logistics support missions.
The proposed works include:
- Upgrades to the runway and taxiway;
- New Aircraft Parking Apron, Aviation Fuel Farm and Air Movements Terminal; and
- Upgraded Engineering Services and Infrastructure.
A community information session will be held on the proposed Tindal work for Katherine residents tomorrow (Thursday) from 6-8pm at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre.
"The sessions will provide the community with an opportunity to find out information about the proposed works and to ask questions one-on-one with Defence representatives."
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Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
