Defence Housing Australia (DHA) yesterday announced the recommencement of civil works at its Academy Close development in Campbell, ACT under a new joint civil and built contract with local Canberra based company, Projex.
Marking the occasion with a sod turning ceremony, DHA welcomed Assistant Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP who received updates from DHA on project progress and forthcoming milestones.
Notable guests included DHA board member Gai Brodtmann, Australian Defence Force Academy Commandant Air Commodore Jules Adams and Canberra Labor MP Alicia Payne.
The Academy Close development, comprising 30 cutting-edge homes, remains steadfast on its journey to completion by late 2025.
This positive development comes after work stoppages in May 2021, prompted by supply-chain challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Overcoming these hurdles, the new contract signifies a resilient stride towards fulfilling the housing needs of ADF members in the region.
Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite emphasised the development's importance stating,
“Academy Close is a welcome enhancement to DHA’s housing portfolio for Defence in the ACT.”
“The development offers a level of amenity expected by today’s modern service people, allowing our members to live centrally in close proximity to their quarters and the CBD."
DHA General Manager Service Delivery Brett Jorgensen expressed satisfaction with the recent progress, stating, “The development at Academy Close ensures that we are on track with our initial timelines to deliver 30 homes in the heart of the Defence community in Canberra.”
“It is tailored to meet the unique needs of our valued Defence community and underscores our commitment to providing secure, modern, and supportive living environments for our members."
Housing construction is poised to commence in August 2024, with the handover of homes anticipated in late 2025.