Defence Minister Linda Reynolds to turn first sod in $1.1b RAAF base Tindal upgrade

AUSTRALIA’S Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will turn the first sod in the $1.1bn upgrade works at RAAF Base Tindal as construction officially gets under way today.

• Defence Minister Linda Reynolds to meet with NT businesses in Darwin visit

AUSTRALIA’S Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will turn the first sod in the $1.1bn upgrade works at RAAF Base Tindal as construction officially gets under way today.

Senator Reynolds said the base outside Katherine would be “vital to Northern Australia’s air combat capability” going forward.

“Over the next decade, the planned works will further enhance defence air combat capability and our engagement with allies and other nations through the conduct of joint exercises, including our enhanced air Cooperation with the United States air force,” she said.

“A concurrent $437 million RAAF Base Tindal redevelopment project will also address critical upgrades to base engineering services including power, water and sewerage to support current and future projected demands on base infrastructure.”

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds was due to touch down in Darwin on Sunday afternoon ahead of a five-day tour of the Top End’s military bases. Picture: Supplied

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The visit kicks off a five-day tour of Top End military facilities for the Minister, who will also take the opportunity to observe the army’s annual bilateral Koolendong joint exercise with the US Marines.

Senator Reynolds said she would also take time to meet with Australian Defence Force personnel involved in border protection who had also been called on to help out with recent crises facing the nation at home.

“Many of these men and women have also supported Operation Bushfire Assist and Operation COVID-19 Assist, and I look forward to thanking them and their families,” she said.

“The fact that the (Marine Rotational Force – Darwin) rotation went ahead this year, despite the challenges associated with COVID-19, is a testament to the commitment of both Australia and the US to deepening our defence co-operation and our agility to operate together in challenging circumstances.”

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Senator Reynolds will also deliver a speech to the NT Master Builders Association to outline the Top End’s strategic importance to Australia and investments in defence infrastructure.