DEFENCE ESTATE

Defence provides facilities and infrastructure in all states and territories to support Australia’s defence force capability. Defence's estate totals about 3 million hectares and comprises approximately 400 owned properties (including 72 significant bases and several world heritage areas), 25,000 buildings plus 6,000 other structure assets, as well as about 150,000 items of fixed plant and equipment. These facilities and infrastructure are varied and complex and include military headquarters, airfields, ports, broad acre training areas and firing ranges, storage facilities (including munitions storage), research laboratories, communication and intelligence installations, workshops and maintenance facilities, educational facilities, office and residential accommodation, and recreational facilities.


CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVES

As the Commonwealth's largest landholder and a significant user of resources, Defence has considerable environmental stewardship responsibilities and is committed to reducing its energy consumption and carbon emissions, particularly in non-operational and support activities. Defence has in place policies and strategies to understand and reduce its emissions from electricity, gas and fuel use and is continuing to identify and implement new initiatives that aim to further reduce impacts from carbon emissions.

In 2011, Defence continued to support the Government’s agenda on climate change through implementing resource efficiency strategies and awareness raising initiatives. Earth Hour 2011 was promoted within Defence with many Defence bases across Australia participating by switching off non-essential lights and other electrical equipment in facilities where possible.


DEFENCE HOUSING AUSTRALIA

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) provides high quality housing and related services to members of the ADF to meet the operational requirements of Defence.

DHA was established as a statutory authority under the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (Cwlth). It manages around 18,000 residences in all states and territories of Australia, representing around $9 billion worth of housing stock. Over 60% of these residences are owned by private investors and leased back to DHA through the sale and leaseback program. DHA manages over 20,000 property allocations each year and undertakes comprehensive repairs and maintenance services on houses occupied by ADF members. Staff support ADF members from 19 Housing Management Centres and other offices located across Australia.

DHA has an innovative sale and leaseback program, which ensures efficient use of DHA's capital, allowing DHA to develop quality residential properties in key locations across the country, sell them to investors and then lease them back.

DHA completed a major project under the Government’s Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan, constructing 829 houses around Australia. The program delivered 27 houses more than planned and was finalised six months ahead of schedule. The 829 additional houses provided much needed accommodation to serving ADF members and their families, increasing the supply of residential housing at a time of historically low national rental vacancy. It is estimated that the project generated 660 jobs directly and a further 1,650 jobs indirectly.