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The Department of Defence has awarded the next-generation resource recovery and waste management contracts to Cleanaway Operations and Veolia Environmental Services (Australia) for a six-year term.
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Valued at $560 million, including annual service fees and projected waste volumes, these contracts will deliver comprehensive resource recovery and waste management services across the Defence estate.
The initiative emphasises environmental sustainability and effective resource management, enhancing both Defence capability and environmental outcomes.
The new agreements will generate job opportunities nationwide, including in major cities, rural areas, and remote locations. They support Defence personnel as they work, train, and prepare for operations domestically and abroad.
Cleanaway and Veolia, both longstanding leaders in the sector, are committed to fostering opportunities for small- to medium-sized enterprises. Their approach includes creating employment pathways for Indigenous Australians, women, Defence veterans, and families of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
Luke McLeod, assistant secretary for base services transformation, said: “Defence is proud to be partnering with Cleanaway and Veolia to ensure, as the largest steward of Commonwealth land, Defence is meeting resource recovery and waste management responsibilities now into the future.”
The Australian government’s National Waste Policy supports the transition to a circular economy by 2030. Under these contracts, efforts will focus on increasing the use of recycled materials, building demand for recycled products, reducing waste generation, and improving material flow management to benefit human health, the environment, and the economy.
This initiative aligns with the government’s long-term investment in the ADF’s posture, capability, and structure, enabling workforce growth, enhanced training, and operational readiness to protect Australia.
“Australia is transitioning to a circular economy, promoting the reuse of products, and reducing greenhouse emissions. The government has legislated and is committed to achieving net zero national emissions by 2050. The base services contracts are another step in achieving that,” McLeod said.
These contracts are part of the third package of Base Services agreements, following recent awards for firefighting and base security services. Additional contracts for living and working services, property and asset services, and national program and project delivery services are set to be awarded over the next year.
McLeod said: “Base Services offer significant opportunity for Australian industry participation, which contributes to a strong and resilient domestic defence industry supply base.”
