The Minister for Defence, John Moore, today said that a decision to relocate the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Helicopter school from a centralised location in Canberra to Nowra and Oakey was good news for regional Australia.
After an extensive review of the School and the ADF's requirements, the basic training facility at RAAF Fairbairn will be aggregated with the advanced rotary wing flying training conducted by Navy at Nowra in New South Wales, and Army at Oakey in Queensland.
"Defence believe this course of action will increase the effectiveness of training for each service," Mr Moore said.
"The more focused approach to helicopter flying training also will result in savings to Defence of up to $700,000 per annum."
The Navy element of the ADF Helicopter School, comprising three staff and 12 trainees a year, will transfer to Nowra in December. The Army element, comprising 43 staff and up to 44 trainees a year, will relocate to Oakey in December 2001.
Maintenance of Army aircraft used for training at RAAF Fairbairn is performed under contract by Boeing. This contract also will relocate with contract employees given 12 months notice of the move.
"I am confident Nowra and Oakey will welcome personnel from the Helicopter School and their families. I know our people will make a valuable contribution to the local communities," said Mr Moore.
