NT to benefit from upgrades to Robertson Barracks, Kangaroo Flats, Mount Bundey and Bradshaw

The Defence Department has released figures of the economic benefits of the upgrades planned at four training areas in the NT.

THE Defence Department has released figures showcasing the economic benefits of the $747m upgrades planned at four Defence training areas in the Territory.

About 2000 jobs over five years will be supported as a ­result of the federal government’s $747m suite of upgrades of facilities at Robertson Barracks, Kangaroo Flats, Mount Bundey and Bradshaw.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price announced on Wednesday that NT company Sitzler had been engaged as managing contractor for the Northern Territory training areas and ranges upgrades ­project.

The investment is part of $15.6bn the federal government is spending on Defence capital facilities and infrastructure across Australia over the next four years – a significant increase on the $12.4bn spent over the past decade.

And right now, the commonwealth has about $5.1bn in capital facilities projects either in development or being ­delivered in the Territory as part of $8bn in planned investment over the next decade.

Ms Price said the project – a critical element of the US Force Posture Initiatives – would have major economic benefits for the Territory, with the substantial investment supporting local businesses for the next five years.

“This is a major win for small and local businesses across Northern Australia, who will be given every opportunity to get involved in this vital Defence project,” she said.

“Sitzler has a target of 98 per cent of the construction subcontractor packages to businesses within Northern Australia.

“This means the benefits from our investment will flow to small and medium busi­nesses and, most importantly, support local jobs.

“Sitzler has not only estimated that a 2000-strong workforce will be involved over the life of the project, but about 65 subcontractor pack­ages will also be available for tender.

“They will also set an Aboriginal participation target of 4 per cent for Aboriginal business involvement on the ­project, which will be directly under the commonwealth’s Aboriginal participation ­policy.”

Construction works will start at Robertson Barracks close training area and Bradshaw field training area first, with staggered works at Kangaroo Flats training area and Mount Bundey training area to follow later.

“This investment will ­enhance the levels of integration between the Australian Defence Force and our partners, including the US Marine Corps,” Ms Price said.

“The project will also provide reliable access to suitable military training areas and weapons ranges to meet Australian Defence Force capability requirements.”

Northern Territory Senator Sam McMahon said it was great news given she was a strong supporter of the ADF and its personnel.

“With the majority of the subcontracting roles going to businesses in Northern ­Australia, this will be a tremendous boost to the Territory economy,” Dr McMahon said.

“This is another example of Defence investment providing valuable opportunities for local businesses.”

Over the past five years the commonwealth has invested $1.2bn in new capital facilities in the Territory.

In the last financial year Defence’s investment of more than $336m in Territory infrastructure represented more than 24 per cent of the commonwealth’s total new investment in new Defence facilities.

Investment will increase to over $3.6bn over the next five years, with an average of $720m a year.

Construction on the Ranges project is expected to start this month and be finished in 2026.

Originally published as NT to benefit from upgrades to Robertson Barracks, Kangaroo Flats, Mount Bundey and Bradshaw