A $350 million upgrade at the RAAF Edinburgh base in Adelaide must benefit the local construction industry, South Australian Defence Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith says.

Construction work on new and refurbished facilities is expected to begin in September and be completed in 2019 and will include administration and operations buildings, training facilities, aircraft maintenance hangars and workshops.

“An infrastructure project of this size is just what the beleaguered South Australian construction industry needs and would provide private contractors with a significant economic boost,” Hamilton-Smith said.

The upgrade funds are part of more than $700 million announced by the Federal Government to upgrade RAAF bases across Australia to support the air force’s new maritime patrol aircraft.

The Civil Contractors Federation is supporting Hamilton-Smith’s the call.

Federation CEO Phil Sutherland said big infrastructure projects were needed to reinvigorate the local economy.

“The RAAF Edinburgh precinct upgrade fits the bill,” Sutherland said.

“Federal Government support of this project would result in much-needed work for the civil construction industry in South Australia which is on its knees.”

– with AAP