Government putting city’s defence support hub on fast track

THE STATE Government is “moving quickly” to progress the development of Townsville’s defence support hub and looking to tender for the schematic design of the building.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad yesterday toured the site secured for the Oasis Townsville, on the corner of Darter and Colvin streets, Oonoonba.

Ms Trad’s first budget as Treasurer, which was handed down last week, included $ 1.8 million for the land and $ 4 million for the refurbishment and construction of the Oasis.

“We made a commitment at the last election because it was such an outstanding proposal and … it’s really a no- brainer,” she said.

Communities, Disability Services and Seniors Minister and Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke said progress on the project was on track.

“At the moment we’ve done the functional design we’re looking to tender the schematic design and working out all the processes,” she said.

“We’re moving quite quickly and hoping to have construction started and the doors open as soon as possible.”

Ms O’Rourke said the Oasis would bring existing service providers together in one location.

“We’ve got about 15,000 Defence members here in Townsville and about 500 people leaving the service every year, so to have one place that they can connect with … is something that I’m really proud ( of),” she said.

Lieutenant General John Caligari ( retired) said the Oasis would help Defence members who were struggling to access services at the moment.

“The ex- service community in Townsville is very excited that we’ve got to the point to achieve what we’ve been trying to do for a long time,” he said.