News and Media
20 October 2010
Brisbane soldiers set to benefit from on-base housing upgrade
As part of an on-base re-development being conducted by Defence Housing Australia (DHA), the removal of 12 houses has recently begun at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane.
The houses are being removed in the area known as O’Connell Place, and is part of an $11.4 million overhaul to the on-base housing. This will see the 12 current properties replaced by 18 new dwellings.
‘This redevelopment of on-base housing is a much needed upgrade to the facilities at Enoggera,’ said DHA’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Howman.
‘We are hoping the 18 new houses will provide our Australian Defence Force members and their families with better quality housing, than the older-style houses that were on-base.’
The base at Enoggera is the workplace for over 4,000 Australian Defence Force personnel and is one of Australia’s largest and oldest army bases.
‘Unfortunately due to the long history of this base, some of the houses have become very old and outdated,’ said Mr Howman. ‘By doing these on-base restorations and additions we are hoping to improve the quality of living for our ADF members and their families.’
The new houses will be built to a six-star energy efficiency rating enabling members and their families to enjoy a lower cost-of-living, while living in these houses.
DHA has engaged Matrix Projects (QLD) Pty Ltd to undertake the project which will include the removal and construction of the houses on-base. Work has recently begun on the first part of the project, by removing the old houses off the base.
In addition to the housing upgrade on base, Matrix Projects Pty Ltd will also complete upgrades on the O’Connell Place entry section and complete essential infrastructure and services upgrades.
‘These upgrades are designed to improve the living conditions for the servicemen and their families living on the base,’ said Mr Howman. ‘When this work is completed, Defence personnel living on base can rest easy knowing their families are in a secure, new house.’
Earlier in the year DHA and Defence agreed that the final concept plans met all Defence requirements, allowing DHA to go ahead with the work quickly and efficiently.
DHA is anticipating the completion of the development by mid May 2011.