THE HON PETER DUTTON MP
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
MR GAVIN PEARCE MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BRADDON
The Morrison Government is investing more than $30 million to expand and update current Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserve and Cadet facilities in Tasmania.
The investment includes:
- $2.7 million at Kokoda Barracks, Devonport.
- $850,000 at Training Ship (TS) Emu, Burnie.
- $4 million at Wivenhoe Depot, Burnie; and
- $23 million at Derwent Barracks Multi User Depot.
This is part of the Government’s more than $1 billion investment to upgrade ADF reserve and cadet facilities throughout Australia.
The Minister for Defence the Hon. Peter Dutton MP said the infrastructure investment will support the growth of the ADF Cadets by 10 per cent over the next year, and is just one component of a number of initiatives being implemented to enhance the cadet programs.
“We want to provide improved opportunities for cadets through a number of avenues, including better facilities, enhanced experiences, mentoring and relevant skilling,” Minister Dutton said.
“All ADF cadets, whether it be Navy, Army or Air Force, learn discipline, civic-mindedness, and useful life skills, while also kindling an interest in the ADF and the Morrison Government is proud to support them.”
The Federal Member for Braddon Mr Gavin Pearce MP welcomed today’s announcement by acknowledging how this investment will support the local community.
“The Air Force Cadet Unit in Devonport has doubled in size over the last two years. This $2.7 million investment into Kokoda Barracks will provide a new multi-user facility for the Cadets, including training and classroom facilities and sleeping accommodation, and expand capacity for the Reserves. Importantly it will support dozens of local jobs through direct engagement,” Mr Pearce said.
The project at TS Emu will replace a damaged water main to restore water supply to the building used by the cadets, and works will also be undertaken to reduce erosion of the sea wall and guard against damage to the facility.
“The investment in Training Ship (TS) Emu is not only an investment in our youth, but will provide an important role in growing awareness of Navy’s long standing youth program within Tasmania and throughout Australia,” Mr Pearce said.
The project at TS Emu is being facilitated through the Department of Defence’s Estate Works Program (EWP), and physical construction works are expected to commence in late June 2022.