Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Storage Program

Now valued at more than $264 million, the Guided Weapons Explosive Ordnance Storage Program at Defence Establishment Orchard Hills will deliver critical explosive ordnance storage infrastructure that supports Australia’s future Defence capability.

The project involves the creation of increased Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) storage requirements to enable planned GWEO acquisitions and stockpile requirements.

Throughout the 20-month Early Contractor Involvement phase, the team progressed design finalisation with the design team, met with various stakeholders and developed and refined detailed construction planning and staging approaches.

Now in delivery, the works require a high degree of planning and control measures as they are contained within a Major Hazard Facility, which will continue to operate during the construction period.

The scope involves significant civil and infrastructure works, demolition works, Earth Covered Buildings (ECBs) with significant reinforcing and concrete structures (14 of which are temperature controlled), road networks, support buildings and security upgrades.

The project will deliver 17 ECBs for explosive ordnance storage, several non-explosive ordnance stores, engineering services and supporting infrastructure. The ECBs will be sited close to maintenance, dispatch and receipt facilities to limit transport induced road shock, decrease weapons maintenance intervals and increase operational and training ordnance.

The project supports Defence’s Guided Weapons Enterprise, the development of which is a key recommendation of the Defence Strategic Review.

This work reflects the commitment, planning and collaboration of our project team, Defence and key stakeholders as we continue delivering this nationally significant Defence infrastructure project.