THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Monday, 29 September 2008
042/2008
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON MULTI-MILLION
DOLLAR PROPELLANT MANUFACTURING FACILITY
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM
MP, today officiated at a sod turning ceremony to mark commencement of
construction of the modernised propellant manufacturing facility at Mulwala in
New South Wales.
The Mulwala development project – valued at more than $345 million dollars –
will replace the existing 1940’s propellant plant with a modern facility,
scheduled to come on line in the latter half of 2011.
The modernised facility will be designed, constructed and commissioned by
Bovis Lend Lease as the prime contractor, teamed with ATK as the US
technology provider. On completion, the modernised facility will be operated
by Thales Australia.
Dr Kelly said the project represents a significant investment, which will deliver
substantial economic benefits during construction and provide long-term
regional employment for some 350 people during the 30-year operational life
of the new plant.
“The new plant has been designed to meet modern environmental and safety
standards and to deliver a much smaller environmental footprint than the
current plant,” Dr Kelly said.
“One of the most significant benefits to the environment will be reduced
demands on feed water from the Murray-Darling Basin to operate the new
plant.
“Today’s ceremony reaffirms the Government’s long-term intentions to
maintain an indigenous munitions manufacturing capability.”
Media contacts:
Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
