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Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has officially opened the newly redeveloped Cook Barracks in Vanuatu, a key part of strengthening Australia’s relationship with Vanuatu and the wider Pacific.
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The Deputy Prime Minister was joined by Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas to open the upgraded barracks during his visit to Vanuatu, which will be used by the Vanuatu Police Force and Vanuatu Mobile Force to support their growing operational capabilities and provide support to the community.
The redeveloped Cook Barracks includes new engineer and vehicle workshops, accommodation and training facilities, a fire station, chapel, medical centre and upgrades to surrounding roads and essential services.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles said, “These major projects demonstrate the importance of Australia and Vanuatu’s longstanding relationship and continuing commitment to working together.”
Alongside the Tiroas Barracks upgrades in Espiritu Santo province, delivered in March 2024, the Cook Barracks redevelopment has created hundreds of jobs and provided upskilling and training certification opportunities for the Ni-Vanuatu community.
"Australia and Vanuatu’s security is intertwined and our partnership enhances the peace, prosperity, resilience and safety of our region for future generations," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Since 2021, Vanuatu and Australia have worked together to successfully redevelop the Cook and Tiroas barracks, as part of the strong and enduring security partnership between the two nations.
Roads and essential services are also being upgraded to support the new facilities. Construction on Cook Barracks commenced in March 2021 and was scheduled for completion in Q4 2023.
The project was delivered by an integrated project management team comprising of Australian Army engineers from 19th Chief Engineer Works, designers from GHD, and contractors from Icon Australia and Reeves International, in close consultation with Vanuatu Police Force personnel. Vanuatu Mobile Force engineers are embedded in Icon & Reeves operations on site.
