• The Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) is one of the Land 155 bridging capabilities being supported by the facilities project. Credit: GDELS
    The Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) is one of the Land 155 bridging capabilities being supported by the facilities project. Credit: GDELS
  • A drawing of the proposed hardstand for Liverpool
    A drawing of the proposed hardstand for Liverpool
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An infrastructure project to support new mobile bridging equipment procured for Army under Land 155 (Enhancing the Gap capability) has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works. 

The $23.4 million project will provide facilities including shelters and concrete paved areas to secure and store the equipment; namely the Dry Support Bridge (DSB) Build Vehicle, Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) Bridge Build Interface (BBI) and IRB Bridge Erection Propulsion Boat (BEPB).

Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan said the infrastructure was necessary to ensure the working life of the equipment was maximised  “The shelters and pavements being provided for the mobile bridging equipment will ensure protection from the elements, giving the equipment a longer working life.”

Hardstands will allow for open storage space for non-critical bridging assets and associated circulation area to support vehicle movement as well as equipment loading and movement. This space will also be utilised for equipment inspections and maintenance where possible to reduce the requirements for transportation.

The project is part of the Enhanced Gap Crossing capability, which will provide the Australian Army with operationally-proven mobile bridging solutions for use across a broad range of military and humanitarian activities. The four locations for the works are:

  1. Wallangarra (QLD) is located 258km south-west of the Brisbane CBD and comprises of elements from the Joint Logistics Unit (South Queensland). The Joint Logistics Unit is responsible for the provision of a range of products and services to sustain Australian Defence Force activities and operations.
  2. Lavarack Barracks (QLD) is located on the southern edge of the Townsville urban area, approximately 7.5km south-west of Townsville Central Business District, and is the home of the Joint Logistics Unit (North Queensland).
  3. Robertson Barracks (NT) is located close to the suburb of Palmerston 20km east of the Darwin CBD and is the home of the Joint Logistics Unit (North).
  4. Liverpool Military Area (NSW) is located approximately 26km west of the Sydney CBD and encompasses the locations of Holsworthy Barracks and Camp Sapper. These locations are the home of the School of Military Engineering. The School of Military Engineering trains personnel to meet the needs of the combat force.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to begin in September 2017 and be completed by April 2018.

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