BUDGET 2009-10

$159.4 MILLION IN DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING FOR THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

The Rudd Government today announced total funding of $159.4 million in the 2009‑10 Budget to maintain, upgrade and provide new Defence facilities in the Northern Territory.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said, “The Rudd Government’s commitment of $159.4 million in the 2009-10 Budget includes $115.5 million for approved Defence facilities projects, and $43.9 million for Defence estate upkeep.”

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, said “This is a significant investment in Defence infrastructure that will also benefit jobs and the Northern Territory economy.”

Mr Snowdon said that the expenditure would cover a number of projects in the Northern Territory.

Capital infrastructure—significant projects

Key capital works projects for which $115.5 million is allocated in 2009-10 include:

–               $27.0 million in 2009-10 for work to continue on the $58.7 million RAAF Base Tindal Redevelopment Stage 5 project.  This project will improve base operational and support capabilities by upgrading existing facilities and infrastructure. Construction is planned for completion in 2011.

–               $38.5 million for work at RAAF Base Tindal on the $64.2 million Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft Facilities project.  This project will provide new taxiways, aprons, shelters, hydrant refuelling as well as site infrastructure works. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2010.

–               $19.1 million for the $72.1 million Robertson Barracks Redevelopment project.  Construction is planned for completion in 2011.

–               $16.0 million for work on the $49.8 million RAAF Base Darwin Redevelopment Stage 2 project.  The project will provide a new fuel farm, maintenance and administrative buildings, workshop and vehicle washbay.  Construction is scheduled for completion in 2011.

–               $9.8 million in 2009-10 for approved medium capital works at the Darwin Naval Fuel Installation and RAAF Base Darwin (see Table B). 

 (See Table A for a complete list):

Estate Upkeep

During 2009-10, Defence will spend around $43.9 million on estate upkeep in the Northern Territory.

“Estate upkeep works provide for the ongoing maintenance of Defence’s extensive existing base infrastructure, with a rolling maintenance program being developed and revised each year, focussing on areas of highest priority,” Mr Snowdon said.

Works to be undertaken as part of the program in the Northern Territory include:

·        replacement of fire detection panels in facilities at RAAF Tindal;

·        painting of bulk fuel storage tanks at RAAF Darwin; and

·        Refurbishment of living accommodation for soldiers at Larrakeyah Barracks.

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):         02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):                         02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Defence Media Liaison:                                       02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

Attachment A

Table A. Approved NT Major Capital Facilities Projects

Notes

1.     The Heavy Airlift Capability – Permanent Facilities project has an approved budget of $268.2m covering five locations, RAAF Amberley, RAAF Edinburgh, RAAF Darwin, RAAF Townsville and RAAF Pearce.

2.     This project crosses state boundaries. The expenditure estimate for 2009-10 is provided in the table.

Table B. Approved NT Medium Capital Facilities