Joint media release
- Senator for New South Wales, Senator Hollie Hughes
Local contractors in the Hunter region will receive a boost from a $42.2 million overhaul of facilities at the iconic Singleton Military Base, with construction due to start this week.
In a move that will aid the Hunter economy's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singleton mid-term facility 'refresh' will improve amenities for more than 1,000 defence and civilian personnel at the base.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the project to build a new transport workshop and upgrade existing infrastructure would maximise local industry involvement in the Hunter region.
"This refresh will ensure the Singleton Military Area is able to continue to support Defence capability into the future," Minister Price said.
"Lead contractor, Watpac's Local Industry Capability Plan will ensure there will be opportunities for local businesses in the Hunter Region to get involved in the project.
"It's estimated the project will engage more than 650 workers over the two-year construction period, with a daily peak workforce of up to 100."
Patron Senator for the Hunter and Senator for NSW Hollie Hughes attended a project briefing today.
"I'm excited that this funding will provide opportuntities for local small and medium-sized businesses," said Senator Hughes.
"It's going to mean work for a host of local contractors including carpenters, landscapers, glaziers, tilers, concreters, structural steelworkers, joiners, roofers, electricians, plumbers, bricklayers and even, demolition experts.
"And, I'm sure the staff here will be pleased to see the improvement to their mess hall and other facilities."
Senator Hughes said the Government supported Watpac's plan to target 82 per cent of its subcontract packages to Hunter businesses.
"It's just part of our Government's commitment to maximise opportunities for local industry to participate in the delivery of Defence facilities and infrastructure projects," Senator Hughes said.
Construction is expected to be completed by early 2022.
