The aim of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Living-In Accommodation (LIA) project is to replace the current LIA facilities and related infrastructure at the ADFA with contemporary, safe and suitable accommodation to support recruitment, retention and wellbeing of Trainee Officers.
In response to Government direction following the Defence Strategic Review, the project has been prioritised by Defence and is an investment in the future growth of the Defence workforce.
Proposed works will take place on Defence managed land at ADFA, Campbell, Australian Capital Territory. The ADFA precinct is approximately 5 kilometres from Canberra International Airport.
These works are subject to Parliamentary approval and the project has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (PWC). The function of the PWC is to openly inquire into the purpose, need, cost-effectiveness, revenue and value of proposed Commonwealth projects.
Environmental, heritage and contamination investigations have been conducted and the project is not expected to have a significant impact on the existing precinct values.
Community information
Defence recognises the importance of providing consultation opportunities and has engaged with statutory authorities and key users, such as the Trainee Officers and Defence stakeholders, to understand the existing facility concerns and requirements for the new LIA precinct.
Defence held community forums to provide further details and an opportunity to learn more about the project.
Past community forums
Forums were held at the Academy Cadets Mess, Building 4 ADFA, Gallipoli Road, Campbell ACT.
- Thursday 8 February 2024 – 8:00 am to 10:00 am
- Saturday 9 December – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Thursday 7 December 2023 – 8:00 am – 10:00 am
- Wednesday 6 December 2023 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
All feedback received will be provided to PWC in early 2024.
Project details
The proposed works include a staged construction approach to minimise disruption to Trainee Officers and staff. The scope of the Project includes:
- demolition of existing living-in accommodation and replacement with 1,500 living-in accommodation rooms for Trainee Officers. Offices will be provided within the accommodation blocks for up to 100 supervisory staff
- an increase of 1,265 car parks, to provide a total of 1,600 car parks for Trainee Officers and supervisory staff
- multi-purpose study / common spaces within the accommodation blocks to enable study and engagement with and between Trainee Officers
- external landscaped areas along with access and links to existing ADFA precinct amenities.
The contractor will implement strategies to reduce the potential impact of construction activities.
Timeframe
The project was referred to the PWC on 28 November 2023. The public hearing is expected to be held in early 2024.
Subject to approval, construction is expected to start in mid-late 2024 for completion by late 2026.