Opportunities are on the way for Western Australian businesses as Defence invests in the redevelopment of critical infrastructure at Irwin Barracks in Karrakatta. Local Western Australian construction company, Doric Contractors, has been selected to manage the development phase of the major infrastructure upgrades. Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the $360.5 million Irwin Barracks redevelopment project would create more jobs and maximise opportunities for Western Australian businesses.
“Under the Morrison Government’s Defence Policy for Industry Participation, the project will maximise opportunities for local business to supply goods and services for the Commonwealth works,” Price said. “In great news for jobs, about 90 per cent of the workforce for the Irwin Barracks redevelopment is going to be sourced locally,” Price said. “This project will be of great benefit to the WA economy and generate exciting opportunities for local businesses, showing once again that we have their backs.”
Price said the project would see Irwin Barracks receive refurbished and consolidated cadet, recreation, headquarters and training facilities, living in and office accommodation, and workshops. “The significant investment in new, upgraded and consolidated facilities and infrastructure is designed to maintain the evolving needs of the Australian Defence Force, and support defence capability,” Price said.
Federal Member for Curtin Celia Hammond said, “I am pleased to see local company, Doric Contractors, secure this project, supporting local jobs here in Curtin and providing a boost for our local economy. These projects highlight the ongoing work the Morrison Governments is doing to ensure the economy continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hammond said.
Subject to Government and Parliamentary approvals, works are expected to commence at Irwin Barracks in mid-2023, with construction completion in mid-2026.