Construction began today on a $157 million project to provide support facilities for the new Helicopter Aircrew Training System at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW.
Federal Member for Gilmore, Mrs Ann Sudmalis, represented the Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, at a sod turning ceremony today to signify the start of building works.
Mrs Sudmalis said the project was the culmination of two years of planning by the Department of Defence to build the facilities required to support a helicopter training capability for Navy and Army.
“These facilities will support the current and future helicopter training needs of the Australian Defence force” Mrs Sudmalis said.
Defence is investing approximately $157 million into facilities at HMAS Albatross, and Jervis Bay Airfield.
“The capital investment from this project will have economic benefits in and around the Nowra region, with significant opportunities for local industry during the construction period” Mrs Sudmalis said.
All works at HMAS Albatross are planned to be completed by mid 2017.