The Larrakeyah Defence Precinct in Darwin is set for a massive program of upgrades with Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne announcing a $495 million package for the venerable site.
The first project, a $223 million base redevelopment, will address the upgrade of critical in-ground infrastructure, support on-base growth over the next 25 years, and improve the working environment for Defence personnel.
Minister Payne said the second, concurrent $272 million Facilities to Support Naval Operations in the North project will deliver a new outer wharf to support the Royal Australian Navy’s major surface combatant ships and submarines.
These wharves will have significant work done to them to accommodate larger ships such as the LHDs and have not seen this scale of work since their establishment decades ago.
“The project will enhance the ADF capacity to conduct operations and exercises in the north of Australia, while providing fuel storage and refuelling capabilities to meet current and projected demands,” Minister Payne said.
Both Larrakeyah Defence Precinct projects will be delivered by Laing O’Rourke as Managing Contractor, with construction works scheduled to commence in late 2018 and due for completion by mid-2023.
Caption: HMAS Darwin enters Darwin Harbour passing HMAS Coonawarra as it proceeds to comes alongside Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin, for the last time before decommissioning in December 2017. Credit: Defence
A Local Industry Capability Plan aims to maximise opportunities for small to medium local businesses in the Northern Territory to compete for and win sub-contract work on these projects.
For more information on the big infrastructure projects around the country, see ADM's June Budget coverage which has a state by state breakdown of these programs by value.