The $54.8 million Replacement Chinook Facilities Project, which supports the acquisition of seven new Boeing CH-47F Chinook Helicopters, has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
“If approved, the facilities project will provide new and upgraded working accommodation, new maintenance hangars, storage and workshop facilities, and a simulator building,” Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Darren Chester said.
The project will give the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment, located at RAAF Base Townsville, the modern and appropriate facilities they need to operate, train and maintain the new helicopters and simulators.
Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in late 2014 with planned completion by mid-2017.
An Australian Chinook in Afghanistan.
