![New facilities planned for Townsville will house the Army's seven new CH-47F Chinooks. (Boeing)](http://thewofa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/20081105_ET_0519_CH-47FChinook-300x181.jpg)
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Darren Chester has announced the planned $54.8 million Replacement Chinook Facilities Project at Townsville has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for approval.
The project will support the acquisition of seven new Boeing CH-47F Chinooks on order for the Army under Project AIR9000 Phase 5C.
“If approved, the facilities project will provide new and upgraded working accommodation, new maintenance hangars, storage and workshop facilities, and a simulator building,” Mr Chester said. “This project will offer strong economic benefits to the Townsville region over the next three years, with potential involvement for local sub-contractors to be part of the development.”
While the project remains subject to approval, construction is expected to commence later this year and be completed by mid-2017.