Senator Fawcett and the Liberal candidate for Spence, Kathleen Bourne, visited key capability works being delivered at RAAF Base Edinburgh and were briefed on planned construction contained in the Integrated Investment Plan.

"The Morrison government is building a stronger Defence Force by restoring Defence funding to 2 per cent of GDP by 2020-21 and investing over $200 billion in military capability over the decade. We have taken the important decision to ensure that planning and funding includes not only equipment such as aircraft or ships, but also enabling infrastructure such as runways, wharfs and ICT systems through an Integrated Investment Program (IIP)," the Coalition's release explained. 

RAAF Base Edinburgh is primarily home to the Air Warfare Centre, and No 92 Wing's AP-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which conduct surveillance operations throughout Australia's airspace.

"The AIR7000 Phase 2B Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement Facilities project being delivered by the managing contractor, Lendlease, due for completion in 2020, is seeing more than 83 per cent of the work amounting to $241.8 million of work being done by local contractor," the Coalition's release explained.

Defence’s Explosive Ordnance Logistics Reform program being delivered by the head contractor, St Hilliers, again due for completion in 2020, is seeing 97 per cent of the work amounting to upwards of $12 million being done by local contractors.

The proposed AIR 555 Phase 1 and AIR 7000 Phase 1B projects aimed at enhancing our military intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities will see an investment of $517.7 million in new facilities at Edinburgh, Townsville and Tindal, with work being completed by 2024.

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The proposed Edinburgh Defence Precinct Mid Term Refresh project will see upwards of $99 million invested in ensuring that the Edinburgh Defence site meets the needs of our new military capabilities, with this work to be completed in early 2022.

"Importantly, through the Coalition’s successful implementation of the Local Industry Capability Plan initiative, founded on feedback from regional businesses, most of this construction work will be tendered for in a way that local companies can bid for and win work – thus delivering value for money and local benefit," Senator Fawcett explained. 

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.