Local businesses are set to be the big winners when a major upgrade starts next week on the Singleton Army Base.
The 42-million dollars project will see the dated kitchen and dining hall facilities brought up to the 21st century along with the construction of a new workshop.
In a move that will aid the Hunter economy’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singleton mid-term facility ‘refresh’ will improve amenities for more than 1,000 defence and civilian personnel at the base.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the project to build a new transport workshop and upgrade existing infrastructure would maximise local industry involvement in the Hunter Region.
“Lead contractor, Watpac’s Local Industry Capability Plan will ensure there will be opportunities for local businesses in the Hunter Region to get involved in the project.
“It’s estimated the project will engage more than 650 workers over the two-year construction period, with a daily peak workforce of up to 100.”
Patron Senator for the Hunter and Senator for NSW Hollie Hughes attended a project briefing today.
“It’s going to mean work for a host of local contractors including carpenters, landscapers, glaziers, tilers, concreters, structural steelworkers, joiners, roofers, electricians, plumbers, bricklayers and even, demolition experts.
Senator Hughes said the Government supported Watpac’s plan to target 82 per cent of its subcontract packages to Hunter businesses.
Construction is expected to be completed by early 2022.
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| Image Credit: Asia Pacific Defense Reporter |
