August 31, 2015
A $185 million upgrade of the East Sale RAAF Base is in its final stages of construction.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said about 95 per cent of the building and air services infrastructure improvements had been completed, and workers were now starting to put the finishing touches on the major redevelopment.
Mr Chester said the base redevelopment showed that the Air Force wanted East Sale to play an important role in future Australian Defence Force training.
“This base expansion reaffirms the Air Force’s long term commitment to East Sale and the wider Gippsland community,” Mr Chester said.
“A majority of the workforce for this project has been drawn from local tradespeople, providing a boost to the economy during construction, in addition to the other permanent benefits of having a large workforce at East Sale.
“These works are vital for the continued viability of RAAF East Sale and provide scope for future expansion opportunities.”
Mr Chester said the $185 million upgrade 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.
RAAF East Sale is home to Air Force’s Central Flying School, which trains up to 36 pilots to become Qualified Flying Instructors (QFI) each year. The No. 32 Squadron provides flight training support to the School of Air Warfare, which trains up to 48 Air Combat Officers and eight Navy Aviation Warfare Officers annually.
CAPTION: State Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien and Federal Gippsland MP Darren Chester are strong advocates for the continued development of the RAAF East Sale base.
