An updated DCP will include five new projects, changes to schedule in five existing projects and the cancellation of two projects.
This updated document should be available in early March.
Combet also announced that Defence would be moving back to the 10-year DCP, much to the joy of the audience.
Combet announced a range of improvements to the planning bible including:
· Increasing the level of detail of project descriptions;
· Describing any Priority Industry Capability (PIC) aspects of projects;
· Outlining applicable Australian Industry Capability (AIC) guidelines particularly for projects which are approaching Second Pass Approval;
· Including improved information on timings for market solicitation activities; and
· Reinvigorating existing forums such as the Environmental Working Groups.
Also a surprise was the announcement that an appointment to the DMO's Commercial Manager position, vacant since its announcement in 2009, was ‘imminent'.
The word on the street is that Special Counsel to the DMO CEO Harry Dunstall is the man in question.
The phrase ‘coming months' was liberally sprinkled throughout the speech when referring to timelines of projects and reforms - so ADM will keep you in the loop as these announcements come to pass.