HMAS Cairns, RAAF Base Scherger set for slice of Defence’s $3.8b for northern bases

Millions of dollars of work is on the cards to upgrade HMAS Cairns and Cape York’s RAAF Base Scherger as part of an investment to strengthen Australia’s northern bases.

Millions of dollars of work is on the cards to upgrade HMAS Cairns and Cape York’s RAAF Base Scherger as part of a $3.8b federal government investment to strengthen Australia’s northern bases.

The Defence Strategic Review, released publicly earlier this week, noted northern maritime approaches remained vulnerable and ordered “an imperative to urgently and comprehensively remediate this network of bases with priority to be given to critical air bases”.

Queensland Senator Nita Green said the investment in our region locked in its standing as an integral player in Australia’s defence.

“This investment spells great things for our region, and locks in our standing as an integral player in Australia’s defence,” Ms Green said.

Notably for the Far North, the latest announcement earmarks $2b for critical air bases in Australia’s north, including funding for upgrades to RAAF Base Scherger positioned on the Cape near Weipa.

RAAF Base Scherger, south of Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula.

“The immediate and comprehensive work which will be undertaken at RAAF Bases Scherger and Townsville will include hardening and dispersal, runway and apron capacity, fuel storage and supply, aviation fuel and storage, accommodation and life support and security,” Ms Green said.

Part of the upgrades are to facilitate US aircraft visits, notably the nuclear-capable B-52 bombers at Tindal, and to allow RAAF and American drones to operate out of the tiny Cocos atolls.

Scherger will play a central role in the largest Exercise Talisman Sabre ever hosted by Australia in July and August, which will include more than 30,000 personnel.

Previous Talisman Sabre activities have included MRH90 Taipan Helicopters and air force F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, as well as KC-30A Multi Role Tanker aircraft and EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.

Australian Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment exit a No 37 Squadron C-130J Hercules after arriving at RAAF Base Scherger for Exercise Northern Shield 2017.

A further $600m is set aside in marine estate investments, including HMAS Cairns, which will see upgrades.

“HMAS Cairns is our nation’s most northern navy base, and it is the gateway to the Pacific, this investment just makes sense, and I am proud to be part of a government that is getting on with the job of delivering it,” Ms Green said.

Additional funding is likely to bring increased opportunity in the Far North, especially in the burgeoning maritime industry through major upgrades to the Cairns Marine Precinct.

“We are investing in the north as we reshape and modernise Defence, building the capabilities Australia needs for the future,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.

“This will mean more opportunities for defence industry in Northern Australia, which will mean more jobs in communities across the north.”

The French navy frigate La Fayette has docked at HMAS Cairns as part of the 155 day worldwide Mission Jeanne d'Arc. La Fayette Commander Ghislain Delepanque is welcomed to Cairns by HMAS Cairns Commander Alfonso Santos. Picture: Brendan Radke

Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted the critical role the north played in future defence planning.

“As the Defence Strategic Review rightly observes, our northern bases are a huge asset and critical to Australia’s ability to project,” he said.

“Our immediate investment in these bases will ensure our Defence Force is able to operate from them effectively.

“This is an important opportunity which will ensure the ADF has the infrastructure and capabilities it needs into the future.”

Originally published as HMAS Cairns, RAAF Base Scherger set for slice of Defence’s $3.8b for northern bases