Member for Flinders the Hon Greg Hunt MP and Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne today announced that Mornington Peninsula firms will be given a greater opportunity to be involved in a $463 million redevelopment of HMAS Cerberus under a new Turnbull Government initiative.
Minister Hunt said the redevelopment of Cerberus would include a Local Industry Capability Plan (LCIP), a new initiative that ensures local businesses are considered for major defence infrastructure projects.
“This project reaffirms HMAS Cerberus as an enduring base which is great news for the region. The Turnbull Government is committed to making sure local businesses are properly considered,” Minister Hunt said.
“This is investment will be a shot in the arm for the local construction industry that will create local jobs and growth.”
“At its peak, more than 300 people will be working at Cerberus on the redevelopment project.”
Minister Payne said the LICP would ensure more of the government's investment in Cerberus benefitted the local economy.
“The initiative seeks to maximise opportunities for local enterprises in winning sub-contracts for Defence capital facilities and infrastructure projects,” Minister Payne said.
“As part of the new arrangements that will be applied to the redevelopment of HMAS Cerberus, the Managing Contractor is required to develop a Local Industry Capability Plan that will outline how it proposes to engage with, and maximise opportunities for the local construction industry.“
HMAS Cerberus is Navy’s sole initial sailor entry training establishment, which provides an essential Australian Defence Force (ADF), including specialist officer and sailor training as well as tri-service training elements.
“This redevelopment project will upgrade the facilities and engineering infrastructure at the base to improve Navy and ADF training outcomes,” Minister Payne said.
The Local Industry Capability Plan pilot is also being applied to Defence's Explosive Ordnance Logistics Reform Program (EOLRP) Project.
As part of this program to upgrade ordnance facilities at 12 Defence bases across Australia, the Government will invest a further $10 million at HMAS Cerberus.
These upgrades are part of the Turnbull Government’s unprecedented $200 billion investment in Defence capability over the next decade, which will create a stronger and capable Australian Defence Force.
Construction of the Cerberus redevelopment is expected to commence in late-2017 with completion expected in mid-2025.