The Hon Darren Chester MP
12 Feb 16
Release details
Release type
Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Darren Chester MP
Assistant Minister for Defence
Media contact
- Brie Colley (Mr Chester’s office) (02) 6277 4029
- James Cannon (Tribunal) 0433 884 238
- Defence Media (02) 6127 1999
Release content
4 March 2015
An $18 million project to construct a Multi User Barge Ramp Facility in Darwin has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester announced today.
Mr Chester said the facilities, at East Arm Port in Darwin, would provide the Royal Australian Navy with the logistic support capability for the new Landing Helicopter Dock ships and amphibious vessels.
“The Multi User Barge Ramp Facility is a joint initiative between the Department of Defence and the Northern Territory Government,” Mr Chester said.
“The works will include a hardened barge ramp, a marshalling area located adjacent to the ramp, and a roadway to link the barge ramp to an existing staging area, and are essential to enable the operation of Navy’s amphibious vessels in the Darwin area.”
“This investment will bring economic benefits for local industry in the Northern Territory and provide additional capability to other marine operators under commercial arrangements,” Mr Chester said.
The construction cost is estimated at $18 million, and Defence has agreed to contribute approximately $16 million. The Land Development Corporation will provide existing land, road access and infrastructure estimated to cost $28.5 million to the project.
The Federal Member for Solomon Natasha Griggs welcomes this development.
“Defence provide a significant contribution to the Northern Territory economy, and increasingly the Northern Territories strategic position will play a greater role for Defence as a gateway to the Asia Pacific,” Mrs Griggs said.
“The Multi User Barge Ramp Facility is a smart investment for Defence, the development of Defence infrastructure across the top end that also has a use for commercial operators is contributing to the development of the North.”
Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in mid 2015 and be completed by mid 2016.
Media contacts:
Chloe Petch (Darren Chester’s Office) (02) 6277 4029
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999