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Billion-dollar upgrade for Australian base

In a boost to Australia’s construction industry, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has outlined plans for a further AU$1.1bn (£556m) to be spent on upgrading RAAF Base Tindal, on top of the AU$495m (£250m) already committed to the project.

“This investment is all about keeping Australians safe and putting Australians in jobs,” the Prime Minister said. “Over 300 jobs will be created in the construction phase alone. The investment is part of the AU$8bn [£4.04bn] we are spending over the coming decade on Defence facilities in the Top End, as part of the Defence White Paper and under our Developing Northern Australia initiatives. It will be integral to our Alliance with the United States, and increase the reach of Air Force capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

“As part of these upgrades, RAAF Base Tindal will be able to deliver enhanced air-to-air refuelling and air support capabilities, ensuring we can support critical ADF operations – everything from air combat missions through to responding to natural disasters both at home and throughout our region,” Morrison continued. “Under the redevelopment projects, AU$737m [£372m] will go towards upgrading the airfield including extending the runway, building a new air movements terminal, parking apron and extra fuel storage facilities. An additional AU$437m [£220m] will provide critical base infrastructure upgrades, particularly engineering services on the base including power, water and sewage, as well as 108 new live-in units for Australian Defence Force personnel.”

Assuming the plans receive parliamentary approval, construction work will begin in the middle of this year and be completed by the end of 2027.

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Image: Australian Government Department of Defence