Project: Benalla HVLV Infrastructure Upgrades

Principal Contractor: Downer

The Benalla HVLV Infrastructure Upgrades form part of the broader Mulwala and Benalla Facility Redevelopment, a Department of Defence project covering the Benalla Munitions Facility in Victoria and the Mulwala Explosive Facility in New South Wales. The Benalla site produces ammunition, explosive ordnance and other munitions on behalf of Australian Munitions, a business of Thales Australia. Downer is managing the redevelopment, which includes high voltage and low voltage electrical infrastructure upgrades alongside broader site works covering roads, fencing, security systems, emergency generators and potable water supply. The redevelopment is expected to run through to mid-2030, supporting the ongoing operation and modernisation of this critical Defence manufacturing facility.

Key aspects of the project include:

• High voltage and low voltage electrical infrastructure upgrades across the Benalla site
• Supporting site infrastructure works including roads, fencing and security systems
• Delivery by Downer as managing contractor for the Department of Defence
• Works undertaken at an active, operational Defence munitions facility

HCS is engaged on the project to provide Underground Service Locating services.

Project: Simpson Barracks Upgrade (Defence Force School of Signals Redevelopment)

Principal Contractor: ACE Contractors

The Simpson Barracks Upgrade is a Department of Defence project delivering a new two-storey building for the Defence Force School of Signals at Simpson Barracks, Yallambie. ACE Contractors is engaged to deliver the civil scope of works for the redevelopment, supporting the base’s ongoing role as home to the Defence Force School of Signals, the Financial Services Unit, the Defence Force School of Music and the headquarters of 4th Brigade. The civil works underpin the new facility’s structure and services, including earthworks, pavements and stormwater infrastructure required ahead of the building’s construction. The project reflects ACE Contractors’ more than 30 years of experience delivering civil and infrastructure works for the Department of Defence.

Key aspects of the project include:

• Earthworks, pavements and footpaths for the new Defence Force School of Signals building
• Stormwater drainage system and an onsite detention tank
• Footings for retaining walls and a new electrical substation
• Landscaping works across the redevelopment site

HCS is engaged on the project to provide Underground Service Locating and Ground Penetration Officer services.

Project: HMAS Cerberus

Principal Contractor: Lendlease

The Department of Defence is investing $463.1 million to upgrade training, support and accommodation facilities at HMAS Cerberus. The program includes upgrading essential service infrastructure across the base, including water, electrical, sewerage, stormwater, ICT and gas services. New facilities being constructed include a Logistics Precinct, a School of Survivability and Ship Safety, and a Survival at Sea training facility. The works also extend to upgrades of the Maritime Logistics Schools, the Personnel Support program's facilities, and the Australian Defence Force Physical Training School, Fitness Facilities, Running Track and Catering building.

Key aspects of the project include:

• $463.1 million Department of Defence investment
• New Logistics Precinct and Survival at Sea training facility
• Essential service infrastructure upgrades, including water, electrical, sewerage, stormwater, ICT and gas
• Upgrades to the ADF Physical Training School, Fitness Facilities and Catering building

HCS is engaged on the project to provide Underground Service Locating services.