Work starts on RAAF Base Darwin refresh project

Defence has held a sod turning ceremony to acknowledge commencement of the RAAF Base Darwin Mid-Term Refresh project worth almost $160 million. Works commenced on the major capital facilities and infrastructure project in early April. The investment will provide upgrades to RAAF Base Darwin to enhance security, community safety and resilience, including a new high-capacity main entrance, an upgraded entrance for heavy vehicles, and upgrades to potable water, firefighting water and sewer infrastructure. The upgrades will improve the base’s ability to support the significant number of personnel, aircraft and support elements that operate from RAAF Base Darwin during major activities and exercises. The sod turning ceremony included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony hosted by the Traditional Owners of RAAF Base Darwin, the Larrakia people. Defence’s Director General Capital Facilities and Infrastructure, Brigadier Matthew Quinn, said the project of $159.9 million would improve the ADF’s ability to operate from RAAF Base Darwin, a key node in Australia’s northern network of airbases. “This is an important step in achieving the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which called for upgraded northern bases to enhance the ability of the Australian Defence Force to project force,” Brigadier Quinn said. “These critical upgrades follow recent works to enhance the main runway and taxiways, improving the capacity, security and resilience of RAAF Base Darwin and ensuring the base remains fit-for-purpose into the future.” In December 2024, Defence awarded Laing O’Rourke as the managing contractor for the delivery of the project. Through this contract, Defence seeks to maximise local opportunities to bid for the project, which is estimated to support up to 220 jobs in the region. “The project will generate significant local economic benefit in the Darwin region and provide opportunities for local and Indigenous businesses and individuals,” Brigadier Quinn said. Construction is forecast to be completed by mid-2027. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]