Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester, today announced that the $367 million HMAS Stirling Redevelopment Stage 3A Project had been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
“HMAS Stirling was constructed as a forward operating base in the 1970s, but has since evolved into the Royal Australian Navy’s major operational fleet base on the west coast of Australia, and the home port for approximately half of the Navy’s major war vessels,” Mr Chester said.
“During this time the population of the base has effectively doubled, without commensurate upgrades to infrastructure.
“This is an investment in world class facilities for our world class defence force.
“The redevelopment project will replace aging and outdated infrastructure, and improve the functionality and capability of existing facilities to support current and future naval operations.”
In undertaking the referral, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance Michael McCormack, said the nation had a responsibility to invest in future defence needs.
“The Australian Government’s first responsibility is the security of our nation,” said Mr McCormack.
“These are significant upgrades to the facilities at HMAS Stirling to allow our ADF personnel at Fleet Base West to do their jobs.
“The project will also provide further opportunities for jobs and growth throughout the construction period.”
Subject to Parliamentary approval of the Project, construction is expected to begin in mid 2017, with completion expected in early 2020.