24 April 2024
The ADF will be better equipped to defend Australia’s north thanks to $14 billion to $18 billion in funding for resilient bases under the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
Infrastructure improvements at Cocos (Keeling) Islands airfield will better support maritime surveillance operations by P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
Development of the Defence estate across Darwin and Townsville will address force posture requirements and enhance an integrated, focused force, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Other funding includes upgrades to RAAF Bases Learmonth and Tindal, as well as new ADF littoral manoeuvre facilities in northern Australia and south-east Queensland, along with new berthing facilities at Darwin's Larrakeyah Defence Precinct.
Money also covers air base remediation across northern Australia, including major maintenance at RAAF Base Darwin and Mount Bundey Airfield, as well as redevelopment of RAAF Base Townsville and airfield works at RAAF Bases Curtin and Learmonth.
Further south, $17 billion to $22 billion is allocated for infrastructure across key Defence facilities, including upgrades to training institutions.
This will help support workforce growth, living-in accommodation, maintenance and the upgrade of Defence airfields and base infrastructure.
Defence will also accelerate the transition to clean energy, with a plan scheduled for government consideration by 2025.
Defence is developing a net-zero strategy to guide action in its climate change response.
The National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program are available on the National Defence Strategy website.
