Riverina Redevelopment Program

Project Overview

The Riverina Redevelopment Program (RRP) is a transformative initiative for Defence, targeting foundational training base capabilities across the Albury Wodonga Military Area, RAAF Base Wagga, and Blamey Barracks Kapooka in Victoria and NSW. Delivered under a Managing Contractor Contract by the Riverina Redevelopment Joint Venture (RRJV) – a 50:50 partnership between Downer Group and CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors – the program brings together three major redevelopment projects into one integrated, large-scale estate renewal effort.

The scope includes:

• Site-wide infrastructure upgrades (water, stormwater, wastewater, fuels, gas, HV/LV electrical, ICT, civil works).
• Demolition of aged buildings.
• New living and working accommodation, HQ facilities, training support, and security enhancements.
• Additional funding for works associated with the workforce growth initiative.

Challenge

Defence faced a significant challenge: modernising infrastructure across multiple bases while maintaining operational continuity. The program needed to integrate complex works, manage staging to avoid disruption, and incorporate additional scope worth millions of dollars without impacting timelines – all while delivering on regional development and Indigenous participation objectives.

Solution

The RRJV has adopted a strategy that combines rigorous design management with proactive stakeholder engagement:

• Rapid mobilisation, with stakeholder consultation commencing within three weeks of contract award.
• Design excellence prioritised from the outset, achieving all key design milestones without rejection.
• Agile program delivery, seamlessly incorporating additional logistics and workforce growth works without delaying progress.
• Operational continuity safeguarded through detailed risk assessments and advanced 4D engineering modelling.
• Community impact embedded via a Local Industry Capability Program and Indigenous Participation Plan hub.
• Partnerships with education providers, TAFEs, universities, and local councils to create pathways for apprenticeships and traineeships, helping to build a skilled workforce that will support Defence and the wider community well into the future.

Outcomes

Together, these projects will deliver upgraded accommodation, modern training facilities, and critical infrastructure improvements to support the Australian Defence Force’s capability and readiness for the next 30 years.

Specifically, the program will provide:

• Modern living, working accommodation and HQ facilities.
• Upgraded training facilities including a 25-metre indoor pool, gym, basketball court, and modernised weapons ranges.
• Implementation of ring roads and new base entrances for safer traffic flows, and future-proofed master planning to underpin operational readiness.

Theses major upgrades will strengthen Defence capability and deliver long-term benefits for regional communities, creating jobs and building a skilled workforce that reflects the communities supporting Australia’s Defence Force.