Aurecon signs deal for defence estates

International design, engineering, and advisory company Aurecon has been selected by the Australian Department of Defence to deliver the Estate Works Program (EWP) for the next six years under a new Project Delivery Services (PDS) Contract signed this month. The PDS, which forms part of the Base Services Transformation (BST) Program, will see Aurecon provide project management services for construction, maintenance, and consultancy projects across Australia’s complex and diverse Defence Estate to ensure operational readiness. This strengthens Aurecon’s 60+ year partnership with Defence and affirms its position as one of three preferred suppliers for the PDS, continuing to transform, sustain, and maintain Defence bases across the country. Aurecon’s Industry Director, Defence and National Security, Damon Howes commented: “It is a crucial time for Defence, for Australia, and for industry – and we are deeply committed to working alongside Defence to develop and manage its Estate for the term of this contract. We are ready to step forward with a highly experienced, motivated and dedicated team who live and breathe the Defence mission – bringing genuine enthusiasm for collaboration and shared success as we navigate capital investment, and capitalise on innovation, modern technology, digitalisation and workforce capability opportunities,” he added. As an Australian employee-owned company, Aurecon’s appointment reflects Defence’s commitment to industry sovereignty and will enable Defence to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades and sustaining capital projects at pace, supporting capability readiness while also driving meaningful benefits for local communities. With over 4,500 staff nationwide, including more than 2,700 who have worked on over 1,800 Defence projects over the past 11 years, Aurecon brings substantial geographic reach, proven experience, and enduring capability to the EWP. Aurecon also draws on a trusted national network of more than 750 subconsultants, many of them regional SMEs, Indigenous businesses, and veteran-owned firms with specialist capabilities and local knowledge. Through the EWP, Aurecon will continue this strong focus on social procurement. “Our partnership with Defence goes beyond delivering projects. This is a partnership grounded in purpose and trust, and in delivering outcomes that protect Australia’s national interests,” said  Aurecon’s Chief Executive, Australia, Todd Battley. “We do this in a way that uplifts the communities we work in; embracing innovation and sustainability at every turn.” Aurecon’s approach generates employment opportunities for businesses, predominately in the building and construction labour markets in regional and remote areas. From 2016 to date, Aurecon has helped Defence award more than 340 contracts to 46 Indigenous Business Enterprises and currently employs more than 80 veterans. Aurecon’s delivery model is founded on shared values with Defence—Co-creation, Excellence, Integrity, and Legacy—aligned closely with Defence’s own commitments to Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Excellence. This alignment ensures a collaborative approach maximising value across the entire life of the EWP. Aurecon adopts a ‘Team of Teams’ approach, working in an agile, responsive and interconnected way to ensure aligned, high-performing outcomes. “This contract is about more than infrastructure; it is about strengthening the foundations of Defence capability today and for the future,” added Howes. “We are excited to be part of this transformational journey that supports Defence readiness and creates broad social and economic benefits.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]