THE HON. JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Friday, 20 June 2008
059/2008
MULTI MILLION DOLLAR FACILITIES INVESTMENT
AT RAAF BASE EDINBURGH
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, visited RAAF Base
Edinburgh today and broke ground to mark the commencement of approximately $30
million in upgrades to the airfield to accommodate the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
aircraft.
“RAAF Base Edinburgh has long been an important military base for the Australian
Defence Force and this investment reinforces its significance,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“More than $30 million will be invested in facilities to support the operation of the C-
17 at RAAF Base Edinburgh.”
Australia’s C-17s provide a responsive global heavy airlift capability. The giant
aircraft can transport large quantities of military hardware, humanitarian supplies and
medical support.
The C-17s conduct a range of tasks, including supporting ADF operations in the
Middle East, exercises around Australia and across the world and humanitarian
missions, such as Operation Nargis Assist, following the cyclone in Burma.
“The project includes a new air movements terminal and heavy cargo preparation
facility, and upgrade of the airfield pavements,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
The pavements will be widened and strengthened and a new aircraft parking apron
will be provided.
Construction of the new facilities to accommodate the C-17 aircraft will be completed
in April 2009.
In addition to the work being undertaken at Edinburgh, facilities at four other RAAF
Bases are being upgraded to accommodate our C-17 fleet. The total budget for the
C-17 Heavy Air Lift Infrastructure Project is $268.2 million.
Media contacts:
Jack Smith (travelling with Minister)
0408 116 423
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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