Australia to spend almost $900 million on base upgrades

Almost $900 million will be split across 234 defence projects across Australia as part of a federal government push to strengthen the nation’s sovereign capabilities, according to media reports. The money will be rolled out in 2022/23 and is expected to create more than 1,600 construction jobs in Australia. Defence Minister Peter Dutton says the investment will help regional communities that are built around some of the bases. “The defence estate is an important national asset and is an integral part of enabling defence to meet its force capabilities,” Dutton said. “Just weeks ago we announced our plans to grow the size of the ADF across all the Army, Royal Australian Navy and Air Force, and we know that if we are to attract additional personnel, we need to ensure our facilities are safe and fit for purpose.” The projects will go to tender in the coming months. DEFENCE ESTATE WORKS PROGRAM: 79 projects in NSW ($298 million) 41 in Queensland ($166 million) 34 in the Northern Territory ($112 million) 29 in Victoria ($122 million) 28 in South Australia ($106 million) 23 in Western Australia ($71 million) For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]