Overview
The 2024 National Defence Strategy provides a renewed focus on workforce. Investment in modern, contemporary, and fit-for-purpose facilities in which to live, train and work, is critical to achieving this Strategy.
Defence is proposing to undertake redevelopment works at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka, located approximately 9.5 km west of Wagga Wagga NSW.
The project was referred to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act). In December 2023, DCCEEW determined that the project (the proposed action) constitutes a ‘Controlled Action’ under the EPBC Act.
Defence prepared Preliminary Documentation which consolidates all the information DCCEEW needs to make its assessment and reach its approval decision. This included information on how the design of the project had minimised impacts to the environment, considered existing contamination and carefully considered the heritage values of Kapooka in the redevelopment.
On 6 December 2024, DCCEEW issued a ‘Notification of Approval Decision’ to the Project, that included their ‘approval conditions’.
Project details
The project is proposing to deliver the following works:
- A new Headquarters Building
- New Living-in Accommodation, with training, wellbeing, and support facilities
- A new Recruit Welfare Facility (including a multi-function centre and retail services)
- A new Kapooka Heritage Trail connecting the visitors’ carpark to the Recruit Welfare Facility
- New or upgraded engineering services and supporting infrastructure, including a ring road, car parking and pedestrian footpaths
- Expanded Chaplaincy and Recruit Wellbeing Facilities
- A new Contractor’s Precinct with a separate Land Management Compound
- A new Clothing and Q-Store
- New Explosive Ordnance Storage and Distribution Facilities
- A new Weapons Range.
- A new Medical Training and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Facility.
EPBC Act Referral Consultation
The project was made available for public comment on the DCCEEW EPBC Act Public Portal website, when it was first referred to DCCEEW. The 10-business day public consultation period was 24 November 2023 to 12 December 2023.
Preliminary Documentation Consultation
The draft Preliminary Documentation was placed on public exhibition for 10 business days from 28 August 2024 to 10 September 2024. No public submissions were received during this period.
In accordance with Section 95B(4) of the EPBC Act, the final Preliminary Documentation was on display for 10 business days from 18 September 2024 to 1 October 2024.
Blamey Barracks Kapooka Redevelopment Project (EPBC 2023/09649) (PDF, 20.28 MB)
Approval
On 6 December 2024, DCCEEW issued a 'Notification of Approval Decision' to the Project, that included their ‘approval conditions’.
The Project team has commenced works to close out the pre-construction Approval Conditions, including the Offset Management Plan and PFAS Management Plan.