The Australian Army’s new, purpose-built headquarters for 1st Division and Deployable Joint Force Headquarters were officially opened earlier today at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.
Opened by the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, the new headquarters took just one year to build but with 450,000 hours of effort going into its construction.
“Costing $60 million, this new headquarters shows that this Government is committed to and invested in Australian Defence.
“With a floor area of 18,000 square metres, this building will provide space for over 500 people. It will be the command and planning hub for our nation’s new amphibious capability,” Senator Feeney said.
Built as part of the Enhanced Land Force program, the new facilities will help ensure Australia has adequate land forces and facilities to sustain current and future operational requirements.
“In 2009, we approved $1.4 billion for Enhanced Land Force Stage 2. Of that, $788 million has been earmarked for developing Gallipoli Barracks,” Senator Feeney said.
The new headquarters will also be responsible for training Australian troops from Navy, Army and Air Force on joint, large scale ground operations.
“In this new facility, the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters will have the tools at its disposal to ensure that Australian Defence Force personnel sent on operations are well trained, well prepared and well supported,” he said.
“The people working in this building will help define Australia’s place in our region for years to come.”