RAAF base work must use local workers

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," Mr Hamilton-Smith said.