$747m defence upgrade for four NT defence training fields as PM Scott Morrison visits Top End
Four Territory defence training areas will receive a massive $747 million overhaul over the next five years in what Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is visiting the NT on Wednesday, has described as a ‘jobs boom’.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PRIME Minister Scott Morrison will jet into the Northern Territory on Wednesday to unveil a jumbo $747 million cash splash on defence.
The NT News can reveal four of the NT’s ADF training sites will be overhauled, with the Bradshaw Field Training Area to be upgraded to include ‘urban operations training facilities’ over the next five years and given an extended runway.
The spending spree comes amid rising tensions in southeast Asia between China and the US involvement.
The expansion will allow a significant increase in Australia’s military force capabilities and provide greater opportunity for co-operation with the US.
Mr Morrison is also promising a jobs bonanza from the announcement, with local contractors being urged to line up for lucrative contracts to help build the facilities.
The four training areas earmarked for the revamp are the Robertson Barracks in Darwin, Kangaroo Flats near Berry Springs, Mount Bundey southeast of Humpty Doo, and the 9284 sqkm Bradshaw Field, near Timber Creek.
The announcement is part of an expected $8bn spend on defence in the Northern Territory over the next 10 years.
It’s the first time since the pandemic began that the Prime Minister has visited the Northern Territory, and the first time in nearly two years that he’s been in the Top End.
In February last year, Mr Morrison visited the secretive Pine Gap facility near Alice Springs and the Tindal RAAF base near Katherine.
Artists impressions of the proposed plans at the Bradshaw base show a large “urban operations training facility”.
The base will be suitable for a joint “brigade-level manoeuvre” and will see the Nackaroo airstrip included, a medical precinct added and a ‘Homestead’ training camp precinct.
The Bradshaw Field Training Area alone is nearly four times the size of the Australian Capital Territory.
Other upgrades include “Weapon Training Simulation Systems” at Robertson Barracks and a demolitions range at Kangaroo Flats.
Speaking exclusively to the NT News, Mr Morrison said the upgrades would provide an economic boost to the Territory.
“This is a jobs boom for the Northern Territory,” Mr Morrison said.
“Defence investment is a mainstay for the Territory economy and we are investing more than $8 billion over the next decade in the NT,” he said.
“My commitment is keeping Australians safe and keeping Australians in a job.”
The new facilities are expected to help Australian forces remain a credible military force and keep peace in the Indo-Pacific.
The upgrades are also hoped to facilitate more “war gaming” between Australian forces and allies such as the United States.
Mr Morrison’s visit coincides with his Labor counterpart, Anthony Albanese, jetting into Uluru in recent days.
SUMMARY OF UPGRADES
Robertson Barracks Close Training Area: The area is suitable for individual firing and training up to platoon sized activities. Close to Darwin, its peak usage is outside of the dry season when soldiers are typically in barracks.
Upgrades to include:
o Administration and Support Facilities and Infrastructure:
o Firing Ranges:
o Weapon Training Simulation System
o Combat Shooting Range
o Section Urban Assault Range
Kangaroo Flats Training Area: The area is suitable for training up to platoon sized activities and fixed ranges.
Upgrades include:
o Ranges:
o Group and Zero Range
o Combat Marksman Range
o Rifle and Grenade Assault Range
o Demolitions Range
Mount Bundey Training Area: The area is suitable for company manoeuvre and live fire activities. A battle-group typically deploys for a week or longer to conduct individual firing and collective training.
Upgrades include:
o Refurbish 250 person Training Camp
o Vehicle hardstand
o Ammunition Transfer Point
o Site wide services and infrastructure
o Ranges: 100m Open Range and Direct Fire Support Range
o Urban Operations Facilities:
o Tier 2 Urban Operations Training Facility
o Aviation Facilities
Bradshaw Field Training Area: The area is large and suitable for joint and combined live fire training, brigade level manoeuvre and aerial bombing.
Upgrades include:
o Range Control Precinct
o Medical Precinct
o Upgrade Task Force Maintenance Area
o ‘Homestead’ Training Camp Precinct
o Vehicle wash point
o Ammunition Transfer Point
o Range road upgrades
o Site wide services and infrastructure
o Yampi Sound Reinvestment:
o Upgrade Nackeroo airstrip (lengthen and strengthen)
o Upgrade range tracks (Golla Golla Road)
*** Timing for these projects are over a five-year construction program from FY2021/22 to FY2025/26 ***
Darwin airport welcomes Qatar’s move for stake in Aussie airline
Darwin airport has welcomed Qatar Airways plan to buy a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia, saying it could bolster the Top End’s position as a key gateway for international travel.
‘Unmitigated disaster’: Legal Aid to cut services due to underfunding
NT Legal Aid is threatening to cut crucial services due to underfunding, in a move that could see criminals walk free and push a system at breaking point ‘over the edge’.