Public Works Committee supports redevelopment of Blamey Barracks

TODAY, Tony Zappia MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works presented the Public Works Committee’s second report of 2026 to the House of Representatives.

Report 2/2026 – Referral made in September 2025 considers the proposed redevelopment of Blamey Barracks, Kapooka, New South Wales for a total estimated cost of $889.2 million (excluding GST).

Following an inquiry during which the committee had the opportunity to visit the Barracks and see firsthand the conditions of the site and question Department of Defence officials at public and in-camera hearings in Wagga Wagga, the committee found that the proposed works would bring the Barracks in line with today’s standards. The committee has recommended the House of Representatives approve the works.

Mr Zappia said, "As the Home of the Solider, Blamey Barracks played a vital role for Defence in the basic training of Army recruits and ensuring Defence is able to maintain capability requirements as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.

"The redevelopment project will support Defence workforce planning by ensuring that Blamey Barracks has modern and fit-for-purpose facilities for recruits to live and train in," Mr Zappia said.

"After seeing the condition of the current facilities firsthand, the committee agrees that the site is in need of an upgrade."

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

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