A further $50 million and about 280 jobs will flow to the Hunter region
as a result of the decision I announced today to base the Airborne
Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft Australia is acquiring
at RAAF Williamtown. It is the main operating and training base for
RAAF air defence units, including the FA-18 squadrons.
The Government announced project approval in December 1997 and included
provision for six or seven aircraft (depending on final source selection)
and associated support systems and facilities.
Basing of the AEW&C aircraft at RAAF Williamtown will mean significant
opportunities for local business in the Hunter region. The Government
anticipates expenditure of approximately $50 million on new infrastructure,
such as facilities and taxiways at RAAF Williamtown. A significant
proportion of the logistics support activities will be undertaken
by civilian contractors. Approximately 200 extra RAAF personnel and
80 contractors will be at RAAF Williamtown to operate and maintain
the aircraft.
Combined with the decision announced in December 1997 to base the
new Lead-In-Fighter at RAAF Williamtown, the basing of AEW&C aircraft
will boost hi-tech industry and employment in the Newcastle area.
Three teams, headed by US defence companies Boeing, Lockheed Martin
and Raytheon, are competing for the AEW&C project. A final decision
on the system to be acquired will be made by mid-year. First aircraft
deliveries will probably be around 2004.
15 April 1999