Orchard Hills set for $70 million missing testing facility
Defence has moved to shoot down some community concerns about a new missile maintenance facility in Orchard Hills, saying it will have a positive impact on the local economy.
Penrith
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DEFENCE has moved to shoot down community concerns about a new missile testing facility at Orchard Hills, saying its construction will benefit local business.
The Naval Guidance Weapons Maintenance Facilities project, which will cost between $70-$80 million, would be built at the Defence Establishment Orchard Hills on The Northern Rd, with work set to begin early next year.
A spokesman for Defence said the project would “increase the completion rate of missile maintenance” and the “availability of serviceable weapons” for the Australian Defence Force. It would also have a “positive” impact on the local economy, he said.
“The project is likely to generate a range of employment opportunities in the local area through demand for local services, resources and material,” he said.
“Construction will require a diverse range of consultants, contractors and construction workers, which will have flow-on benefits to local small and medium businesses with demand for accommodation, … cafes, restaurants, and community resources.”
The Navy has stored guided missile weapons at Orchard Hills since the early 1980s.
But residents, including Deon Giampietro, had expressed concerns about a lack of consultation by Defence during the planning process.
Mr Giampietro attended a community information service held at Glenmore Park Shopping Centre last Thursday.
He said some locals had been concerned about possible detonations at the site.
“They (Defence) reckon there won’t be any detonating,” he said.
“So that shouldn’t change much regarding the surrounding areas.
“The issue was there was no information. They said themselves there should have been more done.”
The works will include construction of an “integrated weapons facility”, truck engineering services and internal roads. It is still out for tender.
The project is subject to parliamentary approval. If approved, it is expected to be completed in 2020.