The Australian and United States governments have agreed to a significant joint investment in a range of capital infrastructure works and supporting arrangements to assist with implementation of the initiatives.
Defence sites in the Northern Territory that benefit from infrastructure and facility investments include:
- RAAF Base Darwin
- RAAF Base Tindal
- Robertson Barracks
- Training areas and ranges in the Northern Territory:
- Robertson Barracks Close Training Area
- Mount Bundey Training Area
- Kangaroo Flats
- Bradshaw Field Training Area
RAAF Base Darwin
RAAF Base Darwin is one of the Air Force’s main forward mounting bases. It is located 6.5km north-east of Darwin, and shares the runway with Darwin International Airport.
Completed works
- Construction of an Aircraft Maintenance Support Facility (AMSF) valued at US$1.8 million. This project was awarded to Sunbuild, a local Northern Territory business. Construction was completed in late 2019.
- Construction of an aircraft parking apron valued at US$28.6 million. This project was awarded to AECOM Construction, Inc., a US company which sub-contracted multiple Australian companies. Construction was completed in late 2020.
- Construction of modular living-in accommodation valued at A$13.4 million. This project was awarded to Tiwi Partners, an Indigenous company. Construction commenced in 2019 and was completed in early 2020.
- Construction of a bulk fuel storage facility valued at US$76 million. This project was awarded to Nova/Nacap, an Australian/US Joint Venture. Construction was completed in mid-2023.
RAAF Base Tindal
RAAF Base Tindal is located 15 kms outside Katherine and 320 kms south-east of Darwin in the Northern Territory. The developments below are being carried out under the United States Force Posture Initiatives.
Bulk fuel facility
Construction for a bulk fuel facility valued at USD $80.4 million commenced at RAAF Base Tindal in 2022. This project was awarded to Nova/Nacap, an Australian/US Joint Venture. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025.
Airfield Works and Associated Infrastructure
This project will deliver works to support the operation of the RAAF KC30A Multi Role Tanker aircraft. The works will provide increased capacity to support air-to-air re-fueling operations. In addition, the works will support the operation of US aircraft under the United States Force Posture Initiatives (USFPI).
Construction commenced in mid-2020 and will continue through to late-2027. The Managing Contractor for this project is Lendlease.
Completed works
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Construction of an earth-covered magazine facility, valued at USD$11.6 million. This project was awarded to Icon SI Pty Ltd. Construction was completed in mid 2022.
Robertson Barracks
This project will deliver works to support the presence of the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin. The project will deliver base support upgrades including living accommodation, messing and physical fitness facilities. This project is currently in procurement for delivery.
Northern Territory Training Areas and Ranges
An investment of $747m into the Northern Territory Training Areas and Ranges Upgrade project will deliver upgrades to a range of facilities and associated infrastructure at:
- Robertson Barracks Close Training Area
- Kangaroo Flats Training Area
- Mount Bundy Training Area
- Bradshaw Field Training Area.
The Northern Territory-based company Sitzler has been appointed as the Managing Contractor and construction has commenced. The upgrades will:
- modernise facilities that are at or beyond life of type
- support training requirements of the future ready force
- ensure reliable access to suitable Training Areas and ranges.