Facilities Upgrade to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Rockhampton , Queensland

Purpose

The Joint Combined Training Centre (JCTC) project proposes to link live and simulated training to improve the effectiveness of bilateral training.¹ The proposed facilities upgrade will deliver the infrastructure to support the networked simulation and training systems required to realise the objectives of the JCTC while maximising, to the extent possible, facilities improvements to the SWBTA.²

Need

The facility enhancements proposed for the SWBTA are a key part of the JCTC project, and will involve the construction of an Exercise Control Building and an Urban Operations Training Facility. These facilities will be constructed to support a multi-lateral combined arms exercise, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2007.³

Scope

Additional Training Facilities Medium Work

On 24 February 2006, Defence wrote to the Committee requesting that certain works at the SWBTA be approved as a separate ‘medium work’⁴ prior to the referral of the remainder of the facilities upgrade to the SWBTA project. The works estimated to cost $2.68 million provides the Exercise Control Building and the site preparation works required to support the construction of the Urban Operations Training Facility. The early works package was proposed to achieve the key JCTC aim of upgrading facilities for use in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2007.

The proposed Exercise Control Building form includes a steel clad portal frame structure, with a concrete slab floor and entry veranda. The building will incorporate:

• a large open plan work area with reconfigurable workspaces to perform a variety of functions, including an operations centre and briefing area;
• access to Defence communications and other external communications systems;
• a reliable uninterrupted power connection capable of operation under all environmental conditions;
• a capacity to support 24 hours a day operations;
• ablutions and services capable of supporting a minimum of 60 personnel; and
• the capacity for future expansion.⁵

The site preparation works required for the proposed Urban Operations Training Facility comprises road works and constructing a number of building pads. These works are required for the proposed vertical construction works and services packages for the Urban Operations Training Facility.

On 2 March 2006, having considered Defence’s request, the Committee granted approval for the early ‘medium works’ to proceed. At the time of the Committee’s site inspection on 28 July 2006, site preparation for the ‘medium works’ package had begun.

Remaining Works

Proposed facility improvements to the SWBTA include two key components: an Exercise Control Building; and an Urban Operations Training Facility which incorporates an Urban Assault Range.⁶

The proposed Urban Operations Training Facility will represent a small regional township, capable of being reconfigured to create various physical classifications and geographic environments. Each building will have a high level of instrumentation and battle effects systems that simulate realistic live-fire or force training and an after-action reporting capability. The buildings will be a mix of two types:

• recycled sea shipping containers adapted as modular building components; and
• light framed buildings using block work for the town centre.⁷

The associated Urban Assault Range consists of an open area within the existing high explosive impact area, where mock built environments can be set up expediently and in a range of configurations. The urban assault area will be located on a cleared and drained hardstand (gravel surface) designed for light armoured vehicle traffic.⁸

Project Delivery

Subject to parliamentary approval, construction will commence in September 2006. The facilities must be completed by April 2007 to enable the instrumentation and exercise management systems to be installed and tested prior to Exercise Talisman Sabre which starts in July 2007.⁹

Cost

The estimated cost of the proposed works is $11.16 million¹⁰ excluding GST. This figure includes:

• the early ‘medium works’ package;
• design and management fees;
• construction costs;
• professional fees;
• furniture and fittings;
• information technology equipment; and
• allowances for contingency and escalation.¹¹

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 7 Back

ibid, paragraph 10 Back

ibid, paragraphs 5 and 9 Back

that is, a work estimated to cost between $2 million and $6 million Back

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 25a Back

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 10 Back

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 25b Back

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 25b Back

Appendix D, Official Transcript of Evidence, page 2 Back

Appendix D, Official Transcript of Evidence, page 3 Back