The government says it is planning to invest $244 million in a major upgrade of a RAAF airbase near Derby in Western Australia.
RAAF Base Curtin forms a key part of the ADF's network of northern airbases and plays a vital role in supporting the training and operations of the ADF in WA’s north-west and the Indian Ocean.
The airbase will undergo a major refurbishment and replacement of its facilities and infrastructure, including upgrades to communications, water and electrical services, roads, working accommodation, workshops, aircraft hangars, storage areas and security infrastructure.
The project is currently in the development phase and, subject to Government and Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to start in late 2024 and be finished in mid-2026.
Minister for Defence Industry and Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Government’s planned investment will be a major boost for the local community.
“This is fantastic news for small and medium businesses in and around Derby,” Minister Price said. “Those local businesses will have the opportunity to contribute to what is going to be a very significant redevelopment of RAAF Base Curtin."
WSP Australia has been engaged as Defence’s Project Manager and Contract Administrator for the development phase of the project.
WSP has started its initial engagement with local community groups and Indigenous groups, including Kimberley shires. The company has been providing information to enable those interested to prepare to capitalise on the opportunities the project will deliver.
“This investment speaks volumes about the importance the government places on RAAF Base Curtin to the defence of our nation,” Minister Price said.
“When I visited the base last year I got a fantastic insight into the vital role it plays but also a great understanding of the complexities of running an air base in a location like Derby."
Defence released a Request for Tender in February 2022 to engage a Managing Contractor, which will be responsible for managing the project design and overseeing subcontractors for its delivery.
The tender period is set to close on 8 April, with a Managing Contractor expected to be engaged by Defence in June 2022.
Defence says that plans for both local content and the use of Indigenous companies will be taken into account in awarding the contract.