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The Australian Government has agreed to spend $63 million to deliver facilities to support the installation of a Space Surveillance Telescope at the Harold E Holt Naval Communications Station at Exmouth, Western Australia.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester, said Parliament had approved the project which includes the construction of an enclosure facility around the Space Surveillance Telescope and associated supporting infrastructure including roads.
Once the project is complete a US Space Surveillance Telescope, currently located in New Mexico, USA, will be installed in the facilities.
“This project will significantly improve the ADF’s space situational awareness as it will deepen links with the United States global Space Surveillance Network.
“The Australian Defence Force will have an enhanced space surveillance capability through cooperation with the United States Department of Defense,” Mr Chester said
A greater defence presence in Exmouth has been a priority for the local shire and the Federal Member of Durack, Melissa Price.
“I am absolutely delighted that the hard work is paying off,” said Ms Price.
“Slowly but surely, Exmouth is securing its future through tourism, Defence and marine servicing.
“$63 million will go a long way to stimulating the local economic growth”.
The project will bring economic benefits to the Exmouth area with opportunities expected for building industry sub-contractors during construction.
Construction is expected to begin in mid 2015 and be completed by late 2016.