The Albion Park Rail facility was first proposed more than a decade ago and the new building has sat virtually complete for almost a year.

However mounds of contaminated material sitting on the land stalled the final construction phase of landscaping and civil works.

A council spokeswoman said after many months of negotiations the council and Defence an agreement has been reached and works commenced on the clean up this week. 

The land, owned by Shellharbour Council, has been leased to the Australian Defence Force Cadets for a nominal annual rental of $100 plus GST for 10 years.

‘‘Once the site has been cleaned up the project will continue with an estimated date of completion early May,’’ the spokeswoman said.

‘‘During the negotiations council continued to undertake air monitoring of the site ... Defence will now be responsible for this monitoring.’’

The air cadets have been housed in a number of temporary locations, including the former Warilla Council Chambers, which were sold by the council, and currently meet at the Illawarra Yacht Club.

The squadron’s commanding officer Adrian Miller said Shellharbour’s air cadets were looking forward to a permanent base after being formed 12 years ago.

‘‘With all the moving about our numbers have dwindled a bit but having a permanent home gives us so much scope.

‘‘It is like having a broken leg and someone comes and fixes it after 12 years.’’

Mr Miller said the news was bittersweet as Kiama man and former Air Cadet executive officer Larry Rice, who fought so hard for the unit, died earlier this month.

Mr Miller said the new facility will have three classrooms, a storage room, office space and a kitchen area.

aarnold@fairfaxmedia.com.au