Future NT 2025: Defence’s economic role in the Territory

The Northern Territory was the nation’s front line in the 20th century - can it do again in the 21st? How Defence currently stands.

Defence Minister and Deputy PM Richard Marles has another term to enhance the nation’s defensive posture in the north. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP)

There is no other jurisdiction more familiar with the threat of conflict than the Northern Territory.

From fighting off bombing raids to launching peacekeeping operations, the Top End has been at the pointy end of the most significant military events to have occurred on home-soil.

However, the NT’s future role appears as important as its past - best summarised by Sir Peter Cosgrove in his last visit to the Territory, when he declared the capital as being the “doorway” to what lies north.

“Always think of Darwin when we think of how we protect our wonderful continent,” he said.

For the fourth year, the NT News’ annual Future Northern Territory advocacy program returns this month, with the Defence sector a key content pillar.

Future NT 2025 is supported by major partners Tivan Limited, Charles Darwin University, Tamboran Resources, Santos, Darwin Port and NT Government, minor partners Airport Development Group and Sitzler and supporting partner Mindil Beach Casino Resort.

After dominating the federal election, Defence Minister and Deputy PM Richard Marles has the chance to further his vision in how the Territory will continue to defend the nation’s doorstep.

Approximately 2500 US Marines were posted to Darwin in 2024. Picture: Harry Brill.

Despite an ongoing retention crisis, around 5420 defence personnel were posted to the NT in 2024, with a slight increase across permanent and reserve forces.

In the same period, about 2500 US Marines were based in Darwin.

From 2025 onwards the Top End’s military footprint is expected to grow.

Darwin’s military community is expected to expand after Mr Marles (right) and his counterpart, Gen Nakatani (centre) agreed to rotate Japanese soldiers through the Top End. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Under a historic new deal announced in November, Mr Marles revealed hundreds of Japanese soldiers would rotate through Darwin on an annual basis.

At the time, Mr Marles’ Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani, said Darwin would be instrumental in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific.

“The US, Australia and Japan are the core nations steadily enhancing our security in this region,” he said.

“In emergency cases we need to respond in a practical way.”

Additionally, international events held in the Territory have ramped up in recent years.

Defence maintains Exercise(s) Predator’s Run (Army), Talisman Sabre (Tri-Service), Pitch Black (Air Force) and Kakadu (Navy) will continue to grow, with each activity having recently broken records in the number of personnel and participating nations involved.

Approved and unapproved planned defence investment projects in the Territory. Source: NT 2025-26 Budget.

On the money side, the north’s strategic value is well illustrated by the amount of cash committed to the cause.

Almost $6bn in planned investment has already been approved, with a further $1.3bn waiting for a green light.

At NT Defence Week in April, the depth of investment was highlighted by Brigadier Matthew Quinn.

“In my 30 years of service in the ADF, there’s never been a time where there’s been more of a focus on infrastructure and facilities in northern Australia,” he said.

The lion’s share of cash is going to RAAF Base Tindal, which alone is receiving a $1.6bn redevelopment to improve its critical base infrastructure, extend its runway and build a new air movements terminal.

It will also include a new parking apron and new fuel storage facilities.

Both RAAF Base Tindal and Darwin (pictured) are getting much-needed upgrades.

Up the highway, RAAF Base Darwin is also receiving upgrades.

Under a $160m package, the country’s northernmost air base will improve its water systems and sewerage infrastructure, as well as upgrades for heavy vehicle access.

The completion of both air bases means squadrons posted to the Territory can expect to be operate out of state-of-the-art establishments.

The upgrades also coincide with the US indicating their interest in bolstering their northern Australia presence, with more American bombers and fighter jets expected to call the Territory home in the near future.

Kuru Wharf has already increased berthing numbers at HMAS Coonawarra. Picture: Harry Brill.

Navy facilities are also on the agenda.

The Larrakeyah Defence Precinct Redevelopment Program has already delivered Kuru Wharf, allowing more allied vessels to comfortably berth at HMAS Coonawarra, whereas visiting commanders were often forced to loiter in the harbour.

Further, the program is also expected to deliver a 3000 sqm hardstand, as well as a ready-use maritime fuel facility.

Key defence sites in the NT.

Territory-wide, $160m has been committed to enhancing defence communications and, as part of a $747m commitment, local construction company Sitzler continue to upgrade the NT’s training areas and establishments.

Sitzler’s Defence Sector lead, Jason Miezio, said it was a misconception Territory companies were incapable of delivering defence projects.

“There’s a perception that it’s hard to work in the north (and) it’s challenging because of the heat - it’s utterly ridiculous,” he told this masthead.

“NT companies have proven they have the technical capability, but also the capacity to step up when needed - look at the Inpex Plant (for example).”

Nackeroo Airfield in Bradshaw Training Area, which was delivered by Sitzler.

Delivering defence projects was not just to the benefit of Canberra, according to Mr Miezio, who said local communities also stood to benefit.

“We’ve seen a range of small companies and Indigenous businesses muscle up and do brilliantly,” he said.

“Starting from something small - say a $2m contract - to now hitting the $15m mark.

“They were diligent, they understood the requirements, they asked for help when they needed it and now they’re here.”

Mr Miezio maintained the private sector talent had a lot to offer.

“Sometimes (industry players) see defence barriers as to big to hop over, but that’s not necessarily the case,” he said.

“Don’t underestimate the need to be prepared and across the requirements, but by the same token it’s not impossible.”

Tickets are on sale now for the Future NT 2025 economic forum, which will be held at Mindil Beach Casino Resort from 11.30am on Friday, July 18.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Originally published as Future NT 2025: Defence’s economic role in the Territory