Funding boost for NT defence projects

The Federal Government is injecting millions of dollars in funding for defence construction to support small and medium businesses in the Northern Territory.

Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the investment provided ‘greater surety’ for the construction industry in the Top End as the nation recovers from COVID-19.

She said the government would provide $190 million extra funding for existing major projects over the next two financial years to fast-track the delivery of facilities and infrastructure in Defence locations.

Meanwhile, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the government would invest an extra $300 million in the existing national Estate Works Program over 2020-21 and 2021-22 to help sustain the Defence Estate.

"This additional funding builds on the $870 million investment in the Estate Works Program announced in May 2020, and which is providing opportunities to local businesses across Australia, including small businesses in the NT," Minister Price said.

The Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, RAAF Base Darwin, Robertson Barracks, Mt Bundey Training Area and the Delamere Air Weapons Range will benefit from the funding.

Senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said works packages would be tailored to ensure that small- to medium-sized enterprises can bid for it. She said the work would included both current and new projects so the Defence Estate is “safe and fit-for-purpose for the members of the Australian Defence Force”.

Local industry will be able to tender for works including a health centre, explosive ordnance storage, a gymnasium, mess facilities and additional airfield works.

Laing O’Rourkeis utilising ICN Gateway to call for Expressions of interest in the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct Redevelopment program.

Larrakeyah Barracks, built in 1932 and with minimal upgrades since, is a strategically important base servicing the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Joint Task Force units in the Darwin area.  It covers about 80ha and is located on a headland 2km west of Darwin CBD.

ICN NT has also been working with Lendlease on the RAAF Base Tindal Redevelopment and with Sitzler on the RAAF Base Darwin AIR7000 Phase 2 project and the USFPI NT Training Areas and Ranges Project.