Federal $3.8bn Defence spend to upgrade key Northern Territory bases
The Deputy Prime Minister made Darwin his first stop in a multi-billion dollar new Defence strategy tour. Here’s what he said about key investments and the controversial Port of Darwin lease.
Northern Territory
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The Territory’s defence capabilities and fortifications will be bolstered through more than $3.8bn in federal funding to harden Australian bases.
Roberston Barracks will share $1bn with Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks while RAAF Tindal has also been identified as a critical base in the Defence Strategic Review.
It found northern maritime approaches remained vulnerable, resulting in “an imperative to urgently and comprehensively remediate this network” with priority given to critical air bases.
The review also recommended Australia invest in missiles and long-range defence.
US nuclear-capable B-52 bombers will be deployed to RAAF Tindal’s in coming years, while Robertson Barracks and HMAS Coonawarra will benefit from upgrades.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, as well as Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy made Darwin their first stop since the landmark report’s release, the public version of which was delivered earlier this week.
Speaking at HMAS Coonawarra with Solomon MP Luke Gosling on Thursday, Mr Marles said the DSR set a new direction for Defence.
“Central to it is the idea that Australia needs to have the capacity to project,” he said.
“Our northern bases are a massive asset for our country and are absolutely fundamentally important to being the platform for that projection.”
Mr Marles also confirmed a review into the Port of Darwin’s 99-year lease to a Chinese-based company was under way, but would not comment on steps the government might follow with.
The $3.8bn investment runs over four years but Mr Marles flagged there was more to come.
“This is really just the start of an effort in accelerating the development of our Northern bases so they can be better placed for our Defence forces to operate from,” he said.
“You’re going to see, as we go forward with the new Defence strategy architecture of having a national Defence strategy every two years, starting from next year, is a far greater focus on thinking, on planning for investment.”
Mr Marles said the number of personnel in the north and specifically in Darwin would grow over the next decade.
“You’re also going to see a continual growth of the marine rotation that’s happening here and a greater opportunities to involve other countries in training opportunities,” Mr Marles said.
Mr Gosling described the $3.8bn investment in northern Australia as “a transformational moment for our nation”.
“This Defence Strategic Review has mapped out how we are going to shift a bit in some areas to make sure that into the future we have the ability to defend not only the nation, but our interests,” he said.
“This means substantial investment in our roads and other infrastructure, creating jobs and opportunities for Territory businesses.”
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