Local industry in the Hawkesbury will see a boost with the Albanese Labor Government decision to invest in 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force, to be operated and maintained at the RAAF Richmond. 

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, welcomed the $9.8 billion announcement and said it has wide reaching benefits for the Hawkesbury. 

“The Hawkesbury is proud to be the home of the Hercules aircraft, and we know they are a vital part of our Defence force” Ms Templeman said.

“The new aircraft will replace and expand the current fleet, which have been part of almost every major Defence operation since their deliver to Richmond between 1999 and 2001.

“The increase in the fleet, from 12 aircraft to 20, is good news for the ongoing operation of the RAAF Base Richmond where the aircraft will continue to be operated by No. 37 Squadron. 

“More aircraft means more jobs in maintenance and more jobs as we build the infrastructure required to support them at the Base.

“The Hercs can carry people or pallets, heavy machinery or medical supplies, and have been used in disaster response locally and overseas.

“Having a bigger fleet equips us to respond to a wide range of challenges we may face in the future and is part of our commitment to make sure the ADF has the capability it needs.”

ENDS