Defence commits $2.9bn for projects in Darwin, Tindal and Alice Springs
Territory businesses have been benefiting from a surge in Defence spending to counter the Chinese military and intelligence build-up. See the four main projects.
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Appendix D of Defence’s portfolio budget statement provides a snapshot of the enormous infrastructure rollout helping drive the Territory economy and other defence-focused regions across the country.
Total spending planned in the budget forward estimates is $2.9bn, in addition to the $2.5bn spent since 2017.
While much of the Territory spending targets the Top End, Alice Springs hasn’t missed out with $52.8m spent upgrading the Jindalee Operational Radar Network.
Malcolm Turnbull was the first 21st century prime minister to put policy and invest dollars around concerns being raised by national security agencies about China’s increasingly aggressive posture in the Indo-Pacific.
The fuse was lit five years earlier when US President Barack Obama, along with then prime minister Julia Gillard, announced the so-called US Pacific Posture.
The 2016 budget delivered by then treasurer Scott Morrison laid the foundation for an extensive building and construction agenda that would bring Territory defence infrastructure into the modern age.
Defence has identified four main projects for the Territory in financial year 2022-23.
The budget said RAAF Base Tindal program, otherwise known as Redevelopment Stage Six and United States Force Posture Initiative Airfield Works and Associated Infrastructure, will deliver “a range of enhanced facilities and infrastructure, including airfield improvements”.
Total budget for the project is $1.17bn of which $267.8m was spent last financial year.
The 2022-23 spend is $186.8m.
The works program is scheduled for completion in late 2027.
The US force posture Northern Territory Training Areas and Ranges Upgrades is providing upgraded range facilities and associated infrastructure at the Bradshaw Field, Kangaroo Flats, Mount Bundey and Robertson Barracks.
This includes range control, training camp accommodation, small arms and ranges, roads,
and supporting facilities and infrastructure.
This project is scheduled for completion in mid 2026.
Defence has slated $747m for the project with $43.1m spent at Robertson Barracks in the past financial year.
Works on two of the other bases are expected to start this financial year with $55.3m spent at Bradshaw, $16.5m at Kangaroo Flats and a further $45.3m at Robertson.
Larrakeyah Defence Precinct Redevelopment Program has been bubbling away behind locked gates for the best part of three years.
The upgrades will cost $506.9m with $343.3m spent so far.
A further $60.1m is budgeted for spending this year.
The project has targeted critical base infrastructure, improving the working environment,
delivering new facilities and supporting future growth at Larrakeyah barracks.
This program is delivering a new wharf, fuel storage and refuelling capabilities to support
the Navy’s major surface combatant ships operating in Northern Australia.
The program is expected to be completed in late 2023.
On a smaller scale, by Defence Force standards, $6.3m will be spent this year upgrading working dog kennel facilities at RAAF Tindal. Military Working Dogs Kennel Facility Upgrade.
In addition to federal government spending, the US Government is also splashing the cash.
The United States Force Posture Initiatives have also seen the United States Government invest US$42m in the delivery of three infrastructure projects at RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal in the past five years.
The United States has funded and is currently delivering two fuel facility projects valued at US$156m and is planning a further six infrastructure projectst at RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal.
A Defence spokesman said the NT had a critical role in Australia’s defence and national security.
“Critical Australian Defence Force operational bases, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and training facilities are based in the Northern Territory,” the spokesman said.
“The Northern Territory is also vital to Australia’s continued support to the implementation of United States Force Posture Initiatives, which both support enhanced US engagement in our region and provide the Australian Defence Force with improved training opportunities and closer interoperability with US forces.”
The NT News’ Future NT event on Friday, November 25 will explore how the government achieves a $40bn economy by 2030. Buy your tickets here.
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