The Federal Department of Defence is to maintain its commitment to the ACT in the coming few years, renovating old buildings, constructing new ones and continuing to employ 17,300 personnel in the Territory.
He assurance was given by the Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne who said the existing Health Centre at the Royal Military College, Duntroon would be replaced and a new $20 million Health Centre to be built in 2018–19.
Senator Payne said the Centre would support Australian Defence Force members at the Royal Military College, the Australian Defence Force Academy and in the broader Canberra region.
She said it will provide primary care (including mental health and rehabilitation), an inpatient unit, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dental, and general support.
Senator Payne said in 2018–19, work will also continue on the Russell Buildings Infrastructure Upgrade, a $75.4 million project that will provide essential building and engineering service upgrades to extend the life of Russell Buildings R5 and R6.
She said over the four years from 2018–19, Defence Housing Australia is also planning to construct more than 300 new properties in the ACT, providing further opportunities for small businesses and trades across the Territory.
She said the ACT was important to the Australian Defence Force and was home to 17,300 Defence personnel.
“In 2017–18, Defence is on track to spend over $4.6 billion directly in the ACT, including estate services, salaries, capital works and other expenditure,” Senator Payne said.
Senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja said the Territory was home to thousands of Defence personnel and their families, who brought hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy and played an important part in the ACT Community.
