Builder named for air base health centre

THE Federal Government has announced the contractor to construct key upgrades to the Toowoomba region’s premier army aviation base.

Badge Constructions has been appointed to build a new $11.9m health centre at the Oakey Army Aviation Centre, with work to start soon.

The centre is part of the Federal Government’s $212 million investment into health facilities across Australia. Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the new facility would cater for a range of medical needs for personnel.

“The construction of the new health care facility will ensure the Australian Defence Force is able to provide quality health services for its personnel,” she said yesterday.

“The facility will include primary care like mental health and rehabilitation, inpatient unit, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dental, general support, external works and airfield response.”

Groom MP John McVeigh said local subcontractors would be supported.

“Under the Federal Government’s defence policy for local industry participation, Badge Constructions are required to maximise opportunities for local businesses to supply goods and services for defence works,” he said.

“Badge Constructions has committed to using local businesses for 94 per cent of its subcontract work, which is great news.”

Work on the new health care facilities at the aviation centre is scheduled to start later this year, with completion set for late 2020.