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The federal government has confirmed it will fund $747 million in upgrades to Defence infrastructure across the nation’s Top End.
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that $747 million would be set aside for upgrades to Defence bases in the Top End, as part of a broader $8 billion commitment over the next decade.
The Robertson Barracks Close Training Area, Kangaroo Flats Training Area, Mount Bundey Training Area and Bradshaw Field Training Area are among the Defence facilities expected to benefit from the investment.
The upgrades, which are subject to parliamentary approval, are set to commence later this year, with the projects expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Announced during his visit to the Northern Territory’s Robertson Barracks, the Prime Minister said the upgrades would enable Defence to ramp up military exercises alongside international partners, including the US Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, in a bid to bolster interoperability.
“We continue to invest more than $270 billion in defence capability across Australia over the next decade, ensuring we have a capable defence force to meet a changing global environment, while backing thousands of ADF men and women with the newest technology and training," he said.
“Working with the United States and Indo-Pacific neighbours, we will continue to advance Australia’s interests by investing in the Australian Defence Force, particularly across northern Australia.”
The Prime Minister went on to claim that the investment would support the government's broader efforts to promote "peace, stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific" against a backdrop of a "world order that favours freedom".
He said the package would also create local job opportunities through a targeted industry plan to contract local businesses throughout the supply chain — delivered through local sub-contractor packages facilitated by Defence’s Darwin-based managing contractor, Sitzler
"My commitment is keeping Australians safe and keeping Australians in jobs," PM Morrison said.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement, adding, “This investment is critical to ensuring that our ADF land combat capability is equipped with the cutting-edge technology it will require to maintain our competitive advantage.
“These works will provide a strong economic benefit to the region, with significant opportunities for the local construction industry and local tradies over a five-year delivery phase program.”
[Related: New Marine Rotational Force to arrive in Top End]
