Army Aviation Program of Works

Overview

The Army Aviation Program of Works (Townsville) will provide essential new and upgrades to facilities and infrastructure at RAAF Base Townsville (Garbutt) and Townsville Field Training Area (Hervey Range).

The proposed infrastructure is to support the introduction of 29 Apache helicopters, the relocation of the 1st Aviation Regiment from Darwin and the relocation of the 16th Aviation Brigade Headquarters from Brisbane.

These works are one of the steps being undertaken by the Australian Government to improve the Australian Defence Force’s ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases.

Community information

Defence is committed to providing the community with accessible and transparent information about the project and will provide opportunities to offer feedback. Defence recognises the importance of consulting with local residents, statutory authorities and other interested stakeholders on the project.

The project was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works on 20 August 2024. 

The hearing will be heard at 11:30am AEST, 28 October 2024. Members of the public can listen to the hearing live on Watch Parliament – Parliament of Australia page.

Project details

The project scope includes construction of new facilities and upgrades to existing infrastructure, including:

• Command Management facilities: construction of a new multistorey combined headquarters facility, a new logistics management facility and refurbishment of multiple headquarters facilities to enable the effective management of aviation, logistics and maintenance operations.
• Training facilities: refurbishment of existing simulator halls and construction of new classroom facilities to enable effective training of aviation staff and supporting personnel.
• Maintenance facilities: construction of new, and upgrade to, existing facilities to allow routine maintenance activities, specialist repair of aircraft components and compliance management.
• Logistics facilities: construction of a bulk fuel tanker parking area and warehousing for parts and equipment storage.
• Airfield infrastructure: enhancement of existing ordnance loading aprons at RAAF Base Townsville. Additionally, constructing ordnance loading aprons and enhancing existing airfield infrastructure to support the increased activity at the Townsville Field Training Area.
• Services upgrades: enhancement of existing electrical, ICT, fire and potable water infrastructure.

Subject to approval, the project is expected to commence construction in early 2025 and conclude in late 2028.

Past information sessions

2 community information sessions were held on:

Tuesday 20 August 2024
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
QCWA Garbutt Hall, 42 Lancaster Street
Garbutt, QLD, 4814.

Wednesday 21 August 2024
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
QCWA Garbutt Hall, 42 Lancaster Street
Garbutt, QLD, 4814.