RAAF Base Amberley facilities grow to support new C-27J Ailifters

THE Department of Defence is seeking approval from the Public Works Committee to provide facilities required to maintain and operate 10 new Alenia C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter aircraft, in a $370 million boost to the local Ipswich economy.

Defence has told the committee that choosing RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland as the main operating base for the aircraft will provide opportunities and efficiencies for the Royal Australian Air Force. 

The project will include constructing training areas, flight simulator, an aircraft parking apron, meteorology observation room, fire station and storage. It will also include road extensions, some demolition work and relocating heritage buildings.

The works are expected to commence in early 2016, and be completed by mid-2018. A Defence spokesman said the estimated cost of the project is $370.4 million (excluding GST).

Committee chair, Senator Dean Smith, said the committee would conduct public and in‑camera hearings for the inquiry in Ipswich, Queensland in November. Submissions to the inquiry close on October 22 this year. 

Full details on the project are available on the committee’s website: www.aph.gov.au/pwc

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