$190m NT Defence infrastructure projects fast tracked

THE Federal Government will bring forward around $190 million of Defence investment in approved infrastructure projects in the Northern Territory

Australian Army Reservists from Central Queensland University Sergeant Stephen Oberg (left) and Private Andrew Bryan clear fire damaged fencing on Kangaroo Island during Operation Bushfire Assist. Picture: Shane Cameron.

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THE Federal Government will bring forward around $190 million of Defence investment in approved infrastructure projects in the Northern Territory.

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison will announce the fast tracking of the projects as part of a $1 billion package to boost defence industry to support the economy and keep Australians in jobs.

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He is bringing forward investment for seven infrastructure projects in the Northern Territory, providing targeted support to businesses in the NT.

The $190 million, which is forecast to support up to 390 jobs, will be across Robertson Barracks, RAAF Base Darwin, Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, and the Delamere Air Weapons Range.

The delivery of a training centre for Maritime Security Operations will be accelerated with a HMAS Coonawarra Boarding Party Simulator.

This will cater for increased requirements associated with the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel implementation and operation.

Other highlights of the $1 billion spend include:

• Increasing the employment of ADF Reservists who have lost their civilian income, with an allocation of up to an extra 210,000 days, and the targeted recruitment of an additional 500 ADF Reservists.
• Increasing employment opportunities for current and former ADF personnel and their families;
• Increased funding for Defence innovation, industry grants, skilling and micro credentialing and cyber training for Defence industry; and
• Accelerating important capability development projects, targeting key manufacturing, construction and hi-tech sectors.

Mr Morrison said the funding is an acknowledgment that like much of the economy, local defence industry is doing it tough because of COVID-19.

“This is especially so for small and medium sized businesses, that are critical to jobs,” he said.

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“Supporting our defence industry is all part of our JobMaker plan – especially high-paying, high-skilled jobs that ensure we are supporting a robust, resilient and internationally competitive defence industry.

We want to build our sovereign industrial capabilities and Australian workforce to keep our people safe. We will also support our ADF members and families, particularly any Reservists who are doing it tough because of COVID-19.”