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Project Element |
Strategy |
| Multi Role Tanker Transport Facilities: | New construction |
| Aircraft parking apron | New construction |
| No 33 Squadron working facilities | New construction |
| Main Runway and Taxiway B | Upgrade |
| Air to Air Refuelling Logistic Management Unit | New construction |
| Simulator facility (acquisition contract) | New construction |
| 9th Force Support Battalion: | |
| Headquarters 9th Force Support Battalion and Logistics Supply Company | New construction |
| 26 Transport Squadron | New construction |
| 37th Force Supply Company | New construction |
| Engineering Services Infrastructure: | |
| Various trunk services | Upgrading/replacement/new construction |
ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
Economic Impacts
36. RAAF Base Amberley contributes significantly to the local economy and local employment, which includes up to 500 civilian employees, contractors and service providers working full time at the Base.
37. The project will generate a significant amount of short-term employment mostly in the building and construction sub-contractor and unskilled worker areas. Up to 300 personnel are expected to be directly employed on construction activities that would also generate some off-site job opportunities from the manufacture and distribution of materials over the anticipated construction period of some 25 months. It is anticipated that local building subcontractors would be employed on a large proportion of the construction works and some of the infrastructure works.
Environmental Impacts
38. A Preliminary Environmental Study for the Base was undertaken to determine whether a referral under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 was required. The study did not identify any significant environmental issues. Given that the project is developing / redeveloping areas within the RAAF Base’s perimeter, a Defence Environmental Clearance has been provided in accordance with Defence’s Environmental Management Policy. The project will be managed in accordance with the RAAF Base Amberley’s Environmental Management Plan and Environmental Certificates of Clearance will be prepared prior to construction commencing.
39. Contractors will be required to produce Environmental Management procedures for construction activities as a contractual obligation and these procedures will be audited as an element of the management for the project.
40. Improving the quality of stormwater discharging to the local catchment will reduce the impacts of the redevelopment on the environment.
Heritage Considerations
41. The Preliminary Environmental Study included a Cultural and Heritage Assessment. No cultural heritage issues were identified as being associated with any element of this project.
Social Impacts
42. The redevelopment is expected to have minimal impact on the local community during construction. No long term impacts are predicted following completion of construction.
LONGER TERM PLANNING
43. The further redevelopment of RAAF Base Amberley is included in Defence’s unapproved Major Capital Facilities program for consideration later this decade.
44. The Single Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct (Single LEAP) project is a separate initiative to improve living-in accommodation across Defence. Living-in accommodation at RAAF Base Amberley will be investigated as part of the Single LEAP project.
ORGANISATIONS CONSULTED
45. Discussions have been held, or are planned to be held with the following organisations:
a. Air Services Australia, RAAF Base Amberley;
b. Bureau of Meteorology, Ipswich;
c. (Queensland) Department of Main Roads;
d. (Queensland) Fire and Rescue Service;
e. Energex;
f. Ipswich City Council (including Ipswich Water);
g. Environment Australia;
h. Telstra;
i. Australian Koala Foundation; and
j. Greening Australia.
46. Project staff also plan to brief the local Federal Member for Blair.
PART B - TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Scope of Work
47. RAAF Base Amberley Redevelopment Stage 2 will involve:
a. the construction of new assets for the Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft and 9th Force Support Battalion;
b. the upgrading or replacement of support facilities and engineering infrastructure services,
c. the upgrading of the main runway and Taxiway B; and
d. the removal and disposal of redundant services assets.
48. As a proportion of the project budget estimate, about 50% of the cost of the proposed works are associated with working accommodation and about 25% with the upgrading of the engineering services infrastructure. New or upgraded aircraft pavements, including runways, taxiways and aircraft aprons account for the remaining 25% of the budget estimate.
49. The proposed scope of work is further explained at Attachment 4 - Detail of Proposed Works and in the schematic design sketches included at Attachment 5.
Site Selection and Site Description
50. All the proposed works are within RAAF Base Amberley. The site of the proposed works is Commonwealth owned and Defence controlled. The redevelopment does not require the acquisition of additional land. The locations for new facilities are in accordance with the current draft Base Master Plan.
Zoning and Approvals
51. All of the assets referred to in this evidence are, or would be constructed, within the designated boundaries of the Base, which is designated “Defence Special Purposes”. No civilian authority design or construction approvals are required, although works will comply with relevant Standards and Regulations as applicable.
Codes and Standards
52. Where appropriate, design and construction of the proposed works and services will conform to the relevant sections of the following:
a. Building Code of Australia;
b. Current Australian Standards and codes;
c. Commonwealth and State legislation;
d. Defence Manual of Fire Protection Engineering;
e. Defence Facilities Communications Cabling Standard;
f. Relevant Defence Security Publications; and
g. Occupational health, safety and welfare legislation and the Defence Occupational Health and Safety Manual.
53. A qualified and practising certifier will be required to certify that the design and finished construction of the proposed facilities meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia, relevant Codes and Standards, the Defence Manual of Fire Protection Engineering and any additional State, Local Government and Defence requirements.
54. Successful tenderers will be required to produce a Project Quality Plan. This plan will clearly show how building codes, Australian standards and any additional Defence requirements in relation to security, fire protection and fire safety will be met and how the required standards for construction and installation are to be maintained.
Acoustics
55. RAAF Base Amberley is inherently noisy, particularly near the aircraft flight line. In these areas, building sound attenuation provided through construction techniques and materials will generally be supplemented by personal aural protection when personnel are outside. Sound attenuation is particularly important in classrooms and domestic accommodation and specific levels, as specified within Australian Standards, will be met.
56. Vibration isolation of mechanical plant and equipment is an associated and essential design consideration and the designers and construction contractors will be required to limit vibration levels to comply with the recommended vibration levels as set out in Australian Standards.
Energy Conservation Measures
57. The Commonwealth is committed to Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Defence reports annually to Parliament on its energy management performance and on its progress in meeting the energy efficiency targets established by the Government as part of its commitment to improve ESD. This project has addressed this policy by adopting cost effective ESD, as a key objective in the design development and delivery of new facilities.
58. Preliminary design development has included an analysis of energy consumption that could be anticipated from the implementation of the proposal. The energy efficiency of new buildings will be audited within twelve months of occupancy.
59. The preliminary design of new facilities has considered the feasibility of the following measures to reduce energy consumption in a cost effective manner:
a. siting buildings to make maximum use of prevailing winds and the sun for temperature control and lighting;
b. using insulation materials and weatherproof seals;
c. using solar energy and solar hot water systems where considered cost effective;
d. using energy efficient lighting and lighting control systems appropriate to the purpose;
e. using energy efficient plant and equipment;
f. providing capability to control energy use by zones within the facility; and
g. using building energy management systems as part of an area energy management strategy.
Provisions for People with Disabilities
60. Access and facilities for the disabled are to be provided in accordance with the Defence Infrastructure Manual Disabled Access and Other Facilities for Disabled Persons, the Building Code of Australia and Australia Standards.
Philosophy Adopted for Precautions against Legionella
61. The airconditioning systems are required to be air cooled, so no specific precautions against the Legionella Bacillus are considered necessary.
Occupational Health and Safety
62. The proposed facilities will comply with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety (CE) Act 1991, the Department of Defence Occupational Health and Safety Manual and relevant Queensland Government Occupational Health and Safety legislation and operate in accordance with an approved Occupational Health and Safety Plan.
63. All construction sites will be appropriately secured to prevent public access during the construction period. No special or unusual public safety risks have been identified.
Planning and Design Concepts
64. Designs must provide a safe, efficient and pleasant workplace and also represent value for money. The designs must offer good economy in relation to floor area, construction techniques, buildability and finishes, while achieving the necessary functional requirements, work flow patterns and work environment required to fulfil the function of the space.
65. Designers have been required to consider, during the preliminary design stage, the implications and estimates of costs for designs, materials, construction techniques, finishes, equipment and energy systems which will deliver economies on a life cycle costing basis.
66. In selection of services and associated equipment, the capital cost is to be balanced against operational and maintenance costs. Operating costs and comparisons will be included in a life cycle costing analysis prior to selection. Particular consideration has been given to energy efficient design solutions employing passive solar energy.
67. The design, structure, servicing and siting of buildings is to ensure that future expansion is possible. Each sub-element of the facility should have the capacity for future expansion. This is of particular importance in sizing and terminating in-ground services. New mechanical plant should be modular to ensure flexibility.
68. Maximum flexibility is required for most internal office accommodation facilities. Except where the need for security or noise reduction dictates otherwise, minimum use is to be made of structural internal walls or columns. In general terms, internal walls in office areas are to be of demountable partition or workstation type to facilitate economic rearrangement. Building services are to be compatible with this requirement.
69. This project will require:
a. the maximum use of existing infrastructure to minimise capital facilities costs;
b. the adoption of conventional construction techniques and materials, commonly used by the construction industry in regional Australia, with due regard given to climatic conditions; and
c. the utilisation of readily available and durable materials that combine long life with minimum maintenance and are sympathetic with the existing buildings, landscaping and precinct;
70. The building works and services will be fully fitted out, with all communications, light fittings, partitions, floor treatments and furniture. Facilities will incorporate building management systems, metering and other provisions to measure and monitor energy use and to allow regular energy audits.
71. Structure. Proposed new facilities will generally be a steel framed structures with concrete floor slabs, brick faced or equivalent external walls, and a metal roof appropriate to the environment. Internal walls would generally be non-load bearing frames lined with plasterboard to provide for maximum flexibility in future floor layout. In particular, structural design will take account of the highly reactive soils and weather conditions encountered in the Amberley area.
72. Materials and Finishes. Materials and finishes will be selected from those readily available locally for their functionality, durability and low maintenance and for their ecologically sustainable design properties.
73. Mechanical Services. New facilities will generally be air-conditioned and the selection of building services and associated equipment would be required to achieve an economic balance between capital cost and operation and maintenance costs. Selection would be based upon a life cycle costing analysis and particular consideration would be given to energy efficient design solutions employing passive solar energy. New facilities would incorporate building management systems, metering and other provisions to measure and monitor energy use and to allow regular energy audits where practicable. Mechanical plant would incorporate a modular system to ensure flexibility.
74. Hydraulic Services. New facilities will be connected to the upgraded water and sewage infrastructure within RAAF Base Amberley.
75. Fire Protection. The design of the fire protection systems will comply with the Defence Manual of Fire Protection Engineering.
76. Security. In accordance with Government initiatives to improve physical security arrangements across Government departments, advice from designated security authorities will be incorporated into the design solutions for the proposed facilities as appropriate. The security threat assessment would be reviewed during the detailed design phase and the facilities would be secured as appropriate to the activities conducted. The highest security classification for the facilities covered by these proposals is expected to be ‘Secret’.
77. Security protection will be provided in accordance with the Defence Security Manual. This requires high levels of base physical security including full wire enclosures/compounds, security guards including dog patrols and remote sensor systems. The physical security of aircraft and uninstalled sub-systems (software and hardware) also has facilities implications, including the requirements for armouries and secure storage and maintenance areas.
78. Civil Works. None of the proposed sites for new facilities present any particular civil engineering problems, but each will be the subject of further survey and geotechnical investigation during the design phase.
79. Landscaping. The redevelopment project will not give rise to any substantial alteration in the essential character of the existing facilities or landscaping, and landscaping works will be directed to the rectification of any areas disturbed during construction, as well as enhancing the general visual environment. Care will be taken to avoid compromising existing environmental sensitivities by adopting landscaping practices in keeping with local environmental condition. The project will also establish koala habitat corridors to link existing and fragmented koala habitats, in accordance with the findings of the Preliminary Environmental Study.
Project Delivery System
80. The proposed delivery system is a combination of Managing Contractor and Head Contractor. The Managing Contractor form of delivery is particularly well-suited to projects, where there will be a significant number of individual works being executed over a large area. This project will demand a high degree of coordination because of the need for RAAF Base Amberley to continue operating throughout the project period. The Managing Contractor has the ability to control and coordinate concurrent design and construction of disparate works packages and maintain a schedule which relies upon a tight sequence of vacation, relocation and construction. This system also reduces risk associated with latent conditions. This form of contract will be used to deliver the Multi Role Tanker Transport facilities and for upgrading the engineering services infrastructure.
81. The Head Contractor form of delivery is particularly well-suited to projects where the scope is well defined and can be constructed unhindered by operational constraints. It also reduces cost risk, as it will be a lump sum contract. This form of contract will be used for the 9th Force Support Battalion facilities.
82. A Project Manager has been engaged to represent Defence and to act as Contract Administrator for the entire redevelopment project.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Base Location Plans (1) (2)
2. Current Base Layout (1) (2)
3. Proposed Facilities Layout Plan
4. Detail of Proposed Works
5. Schematic Design Sketches for Proposed Works
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