September 6, 2015
Gippsland will be the permanent home of Australian Defence Force aviation training within the next five years, according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester has welcomed today’s announcement that basic pilot training for all army, navy and air force pilots would take place at RAAF Base East Sale from 2019 under the AIR5428 contract.
Mr Chester said the contract would provide a significant economic boost to Gippsland with more than 150 defence jobs and in excess of $15 million per year in economic activity.
“The contract secures East Sale’s position as the new home of aviation training in Australia and I would like to congratulate the Team 21 contract team and the local community for working together to provide the best possible bid in a highly competitive tender process,” Mr Chester said.
“While the project is based in East Sale, the flow-on benefits will extend across the wider Gippsland region.
“Young pilots from across Australia will come to our region to do their training in the Pilatus PC-21, before moving on to specialist streams in the army, navy or air force.”
Mr Chester said there would be a substantial economic benefit to the Victorian economy over the lifetime of the project.
“I would like to acknowledge the excellent work that Wellington Shire Council has done in promoting our region’s bid. I would also like to thank my friend and colleague, the Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews along with Chief of Air Force Leo Davies for travelling to Sale to make this important announcement.
“The AIR5428 contract is one of the most significant projects to be announced in Gippsland over the past decade, in terms of long-term jobs and economic development for our region.”
In recent years, RAAF Base East Sale has seen significant investment through an $185 million redevelopment project which has included a new Air Traffic Control tower and support facilities; engineering services upgrades; a School of Air Warfare refurbishment and extension; replacement of flight-line maintenance and support demountable buildings; a new base Chapel and community support building; live-in accommodation, and a new security fence.
“Sale and the broader Gippsland community has a long and proud association with the Australian Defence Force and this announcement will ensure that we continue to have a strong Air Force presence for many years to come,” Mr Chester said.
“I look forward to working with air force personnel and the contract team to ensure that the relationship between defence and the local community continues to prosper in the future.”