A spokesman for the Downer Group told the Yarrawonga Chronicle the company was currently undertaking preparation works in anticipation of the tender.
The Commonwealth project will be delivered by Defence’s Security Estate Group and managed by Capital Facilities and Infrastructure.
“Downer is a long-standing Defence partner, having provided sustainment, infrastructure, and estate services for more than 80 years,” a spokesperson said.
“We are proud of the role we play in supporting Defence capability and local industry participation and look forward to the release of the Mulwala and Benalla Facility Redevelopment tender.”
As part of its submission, Downer is consulting with many stakeholders including surrounding councils and Federation Council is looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges the redevelopment could present.
General manager, Adrian Butler said in recent discussions with Downer, the council had made clear the opportunities a major development should include for Mulwala.
He said they included employment pathways for young people, assistance with lobbying for the new bridge, assistance with and the possibility of Federal Government part-funding a new water treatment plant, a new Museum/Cultural Exhibition Centre, and improvements to Lonsdale Reserve.
“Council understands the expansion and upgrades will require a significant temporary, construction workforce, which will likely include a mix of local and regional contractors,” Mr Butler said.
“However, a project of that scale would also require workers to come in from elsewhere, and they will need housing.
“Downer is tendering to be the head contractor for the works, and they have advised they would be looking at any options that both Mulwala and Yarrawonga can offer for temporary accommodation.”
Preparation is ongoing and Mr Butler said the council would be encouraging the Federal Government and the winning tender firm to consider quality housing options that could be attractive enough for the workforce but then transition to permanent housing for workers or to others moving to Mulwala.
This could involve the Federal Government releasing land on Defence Hill or Factory Hill to the market for permanent housing, allowing Mulwala to expand.
For now, there is no clear timeframe, but it is unlikely the construction phase of the project would begin before 2028, and larger areas of planning, such as housing take time to plan.
“Council does not, for example, see the area as being a transportable cabin village,” Mr Butler said.
“Council is being proactive in ensuring the challenges and opportunities are presented at every opportunity.”
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