Overview
The proposed Riverina Redevelopment Program will improve and expand the facilities and infrastructure at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Wagga, Blamey Barracks (Kapooka) and the Albury Wodonga Military Area.
The proposed program is part of the broader efforts to recruit, train and retain Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to meet future defence needs.
The facilities and infrastructure at the bases are aging and unable to meet the needs of an expanding ADF. The program will provide the facilities and infrastructure needed for the increase in personnel numbers.
The Riverina Redevelopment Program received approval on 7 December 2023.
Community information
Defence is committed to providing the community with accessible and transparent information about the program and will provide opportunities to offer feedback.
The Albury Wodonga Military Area Redevelopment Project and RAAF Base Wagga Redevelopment Project were referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (PWC) on 27 March 2024 and received expediency on 03 July 2024.
The Blamey Barracks, Kapooka Redevelopment Project will be referred to the PWC once it attains the required environmental approvals.
Past information sessions
Albury Wodonga Military Area:
Monday 4 December 2023
The Cube Wodonga
118 Hovell Street
Wodonga, Victoria
Wednesday 15 May 2024
The Cube Wodonga
118 Hovell Street
Wodonga, Victoria
RAAF Base Wagga and Blamey Barracks Kapooka:
Tuesday 5 December 2023
Kapooka stormwater session, and RAAF Wagga and Kapooka community sessions
Mercure Wagga
1 Morgan Street
Wagga Wagga, NSW
Thursday 16 May 2024
RAAF Wagga and Kapooka community sessions
Mercure Wagga
1 Morgan Street
Wagga Wagga, NSW
Local industry engagement
The program will support local training and apprenticeship opportunities in the Riverina, Hume and Murray regions via the procurement of local trades and businesses.
The program's managing contractor, the Riverina Redevelopment Joint Venture, is currently engaging with the local construction industry with business organisations, Indigenous organisations and training institutes in Wagga Wagga, Albury and Wodonga. The engagement is focused on understanding local workforce capability and possible growth capacity, including training and upskilling opportunities.
Project details
The program will upgrade or replace aging facilities, create new living-in accommodation, and implement new infrastructure such as in-ground services, stormwater management, car parks and roads. It will create a safer place for Defence personnel to live and work. Private properties will not be impacted by the scope of work.
Program scope:
- new living in accommodation for recruits and trade trainees
- new messes
- new working and training accommodation
- new Cadet and Army Reserve multi-user depot
- new and upgraded roads, carparking and footpaths
- new explosive ordnance storage and distribution facility
- new weapons range – 300 m marksmanship training range
- new and/or refurbished weapons training simulation system
- new physical training facilities
- new clothing stores
- new recruit welfare facilities (a multi-function centre, including Kapooka Heritage Trail)
- expanded Chaplaincy and well-being facilities
- new base entrances
- new secure video conference facility
- new retail facilities
- demolition of aged buildings
- repair, augment and/or new bases-wide services infrastructure
- rooftop solar panels.
Riverina Redevelopment Program - Design Images (PDF, 1.28 MB)
Timeline
Subject to approval, construction is expected to commence in early-2025 for completion by mid-2033.