Defence Science and Technology Organisation Ordnance Breakdown Facility, Port Wakefield, South Australia

Purpose

The purpose of the proposed work is to provide a facility that will enhance Defence research capability in respect of explosive ordnance and weaponry.¹

Need

Research into weapons and ordnance is necessary to support the work of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and associated organisations in ensuring national security²

At present, research into weapons and ordnance is conducted at two locations in South Australia; namely the Defence Science and Technology Organisation Facility (DSTO) at Edinburgh and the Proof and Experimental Establishment (P&EE) at Port Wakefield. Prevailing safety requirements at these sites currently limit investigation to small-size ordnance. The proposed work would address this deficiency by enabling research into a wider range of explosive ordnance and weapons³

Scope

Defence proposes that the new facility will comprise the following elements:

• a control room for the remote monitoring and operation of ordnance breakdown equipment in other areas of the facility;
• a cutting building for the radiography and remotely controlled cutting of ordnance;
• a disassembly building for the safe radiographic examination and breakdown of explosive ordnance;
• two explosive ordnance storehouses;
• a storage building to house general equipment;
• engineering services, including power, water, sewerage, communications and sealed roads; and
• security provisions, comprising fencing and a Type 1 security system.⁴

Further, Defence intends that the facility should be constructed to meet specific requirements in respect of protective and information security, and to ensure the safety of materiel, personnel and the public.⁵ Specifically, the proposed facility should meet the following performance criteria:

• provide adequate amenities for personnel;
• be able to operate 24 hours per day;
• be sited in accordance with Siting Board recommendations;
• be sited so as not to impinge upon public access areas;
• meet all relevant codes and standards;
• meet Defence accommodation standards;
• comply with Defence energy consumption requirements;
• comply with the P&EE Environmental Management Plan; and
• maximise use of existing P&EE facilities.⁶

Suitability

In seeking to deliver an expanded ordnance research capability, Defence considered three options:

• do nothing;
• upgrade existing facilities at DSTO Edinburgh, SA; and
• construction of a new facility at Port Wakefield, SA.

Defence rejected the ‘do nothing’ option on the basis that it would not address the existing capability deficiency, while the upgrade of the Edinburgh facilities was rejected as it could not satisfy public and departmental safety requirements. The preferred option, to construct a new ordnance breakdown facility at Port Wakefield, will

• deliver the required capability;
• address all safety requirements; and
• maximise cost-effectiveness through use of existing support services and infrastructure.⁷

Project Delivery

It is anticipated that the project will be delivered by means of a construction contract under the Defence Head Contract agreement.⁸ Subject to parliamentary approval, it is proposed that construction will commence in late 2005, with a view to project completion by late 2006.⁹

Cost

The estimated cost of the proposed works is $8.4 million. This figure was determined at a ninety percent level of design and includes:

• construction costs;
• professional design and management fees;
• furniture, fittings and equipment; and
• allowances for contingency and escalation.¹⁰