CPB Contractors has been chosen by the Australian Government’s Department of Defence to execute the Army Aviation Program of Works at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville.
This initiative aligns with the goals outlined in the Defence Strategic Review, encompassing upgrades or reconstruction of infrastructure and facilities.
The focus is on facilitating the relocation of the 1st Aviation Regiment from Robertson Barracks and the 16th Aviation Brigade from Gallipoli Barracks to RAAF Base Townsville in Queensland
The Australian Army Aviation program in Townsville – Details
The Army Aviation Program of Works (Townsville) aims to deliver the necessary facilities and infrastructure to support Army Aviation. This includes the introduction, service, and ongoing support of the Boeing Apache Guardian helicopter (refer to picture below) capability and the establishment of the 16th Aviation Brigade Headquarters.
The project involves adapting and optimizing existing infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the expanded spatial needs of Army Aviation and constructing new buildings to meet specific functional requirements.
Related Project and News – RAAF Projects in Australia
The Australian Army Aviation program in Townsville – The Scope of Works for CPB Contractors
The project’s scope includes the following components at RAAF Base Townsville and Townsville Field Training Area:
RAAF Base Townsville:
- Adapt and optimize existing infrastructure for the 5th Aviation Regiment Precinct.
- Upgrade and refurbish current working accommodation, hangars, maintenance facilities, headquarters building, and training facilities.
- Demolish existing structures and construct new infrastructure for working accommodation, hangars, maintenance facilities, headquarters building, and warehousing.
- Upgrade existing services and in-ground infrastructure.
- Provide temporary facilities and enable infrastructure to ensure operational continuity during Apache’s introduction into service.
Townsville Field Training Area (High Range):
- Construct a Forward Arming and Refuelling Point.
The Australian Army Aviation program in Townsville – Contracting Strategy
The Australian Government’s Department of Defence is employing its Managing Contractor Framework (MCC1-2021), a two-staged contracting approach. CPB Contractors has been appointed for the Planning Phase (stage 1), with the managing contractor services encompassing design delivery at various stages, assistance in approvals, procurement of design sub-consultants and trade packages, and overall scope management.
After completing stage 1, CPB may be appointed for the second phase (construction), contingent on relevant approvals, including a Delivery Phase Agreement with the Department of Defence.
The MCC1-2021 framework is an example of the early contractor involvement (ECI) approach, which is often used when the expertise of an experienced contractor can significantly enhance design outcomes.
Suggested Reading: What is an ECI Contract? (And How It Works)
The Australian Army Aviation program in Townsville – Project Timelines
The design stage for the Army Aviation Program of Works is set to commence in early 2024, with a transition to construction expected in mid-2025.
The entire project is projected to take three years to complete, subject to government approvals. With an approximate value of $370 million, this significant program of works supports the Australian Defence Force’s operational capabilities in the northern bases.
Juan Santamaria, CIMIC Group Executive Chairman, highlighted CPB Contractors’ extensive experience collaborating with the Department of Defence to enhance base environments and operational capabilities. He expressed satisfaction in contributing to establishing an Army aviation centre of excellence in Townsville.
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