23 - 2 - 93 20-2-93 Wigram By DAVE WILSON The air force has completed a study on the viability of Wigram air base, with its report to go to the Minister of Defence, Cooper, early next month. tain The report is expected to con- a recommendation on whether to close the base. Project Recast was begun last year in an air force drive to cut costs. It compares the Wigram and Woodbourne bases on which would be cheaper to move and give the greater long-term saving. A spokesman for Mr Cooper said yesterday that the report was undergoing independent report completed analysis before being presented to the Minister. The Government is expected to consider the air force's recommendations early next month. The Mayor of Christchurch, Ms Vicki Buck, said she and fellow councillors were impressed by the potential of Wigram as a civilian educational complex. Ms Buck and counciliors this week inspected the facilities at Wigram. Ms Buck said she had no firm alternative use for the base but was impressed by the range of educational facilities. "They have all of the facilities of a polytechnic-type complex, from avionics training classrooms to engineering workshop facilities and large accommodation wings. "I have the feeling that something should be done with Wigram, but exactly what and who does it is still unresoived." The council was waiting for the air force report to be released before committing itself to any course of action. "But there is a massive educational resource out there and I certainly see some form of cohesive educational institution as one real future alternative use." $13.5m if base IR Force costings in 1991 indicated A savings of $13.5 million a year were •possible by closing Wigram air base. In a confidential report to the Government, ten preparing the 1991 Budget, ine air force also indicated a minimum $7 million one-off cost of relocating Wigram's functions to other bases. The data has been disciosed after a Christchurch City Council request to the Ombudsman for a copy of the analysis which led to the 1991 decision by the air force to shift flying training from Wigram. Budget cuts in 1991 trimmed $112.5 million from the Defence vote that year, and a further $37.5 million in the two foliowing financial years. As a result, Defence embarked on an internal costcutting programme which included closing some bases. A Defence source said the "close Wigram" paper was one of many costsaving options covering all areas of Defence put before the Government While it was preparing the Budget. Late last year the air force undertook a detailed cost-benefit analysis of Wigram versus Woodbourne bases, the results of which are expected to be known early next month. Fears that Wigram will close have increased after recent remarks by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal John Hosie, to base personnel at Wigram. In an internal briefing paper Air Vice Marshal Hosie said he expected to be able to announce a decision on Wigram or Woodbourne's survival soon. "While I am still unable to make a formal, public announcement, in an effort to keep the RNZAF as informed as possible internaliy I have made no secret that I anticipate that the study will recommend the closure of Wigram. saving closes By DAVE WILSON The air force is moving all flying training activities to Ohakea and Auckland by July, leaving only ground training functions at the 76-year-old base. The 1991 report outlined maximum savings of $13.5 million a year by closing Wigram, with a minimum $7 million cost of relocation of functions. This assumed redundancy costs could be accommodated within a normal year's pay. The $7 million would be a combination of costs associated with unit transter, personnel costs, and capital works to establish replacement facilities. Some buildings from Wigram could be relocated to reduce capital works costs. "Option 33" , as the proposal was titled, advanced the idea of transferring navigation and air electronics training to Australia (since implemented). relocating flying training to Ohakea, relocating the Command Training School and the two technical training schools to Woodbourne, and redistributing the functions of the RNZAF Support Group at Wigram. The RNZAF Museum would remain as an autonomous unit. "The closure of Wigram would be a complex task and sufficient preparation and planning would need to be completed," the study stated. "The costs invoived vary greatly dependent upon how and over what period the closure was to be effected. A more accurate assessment of costs could only be determined by a detailed study." Project Recast, the study comparing wigram and Woodbourne, stemmed from this option paper. Internal Defence costings have indicated thai closing Wigram would remove around $20 million a year from the Canterbury economy.