Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP and Northern Territory Senator Dr Sam McMahon have announced that the Morrison Government is continuing to invest in defence infrastructure and facilities in the Top End, with RAAF Base Darwin set to receive a new hangar, maintenance facilities and working accommodation for the P-8A Poseidon.

The joint news release added that local Darwin based company Sitzler Pty Ltd had been awarded the $53 million contract to deliver and manage the construction works.

“The project will support the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance and Response aircraft and other aircraft operating out of RAAF Base Darwin,” Minister Price said.

“The P-8A Poseidon capability enhances Australia’s maritime domain awareness of the Indian Ocean region and Southern Asia.

“The project will provide direct benefits to the Darwin economy by prioritising local suppliers and creating local employment opportunities for the duration of the works.”

Senator for the Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon, agreed the $53 million investment would provide a welcome employment boost for the region.

“The project will create 230 local jobs for Territorians during the construction phase, plus further benefits for local businesses and suppliers,” Senator McMahon said.

“Sitzler are a well-known and trusted Territorian company and under the Morrison Government’s Defence Policy for Industry Participation, they will maximise opportunities for local businesses to supply goods and services.”

Sitzler will shortly commence site establishment activities with construction anticipated to be completed by late-2021.

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Kym Bergmann
Kym Bergmann is the editor for Asia Pacific Defence Reporter (APDR) and Defence Review Asia (DRA). He has more than 25 years of experience in journalism and the defence industry. After graduating with honours from the Australian National University, he joined Capital 7 television, holding several positions including foreign news editor and chief political correspondent. During that time he also wrote for Business Review Weekly, undertaking analysis of various defence matters.After two years on the staff of a federal minister, he moved to the defence industry and held senior positions in several companies, including Blohm+Voss, Thales, Celsius and Saab. In 1997 he was one of two Australians selected for the Thomson CSF 'Preparation for Senior Management' MBA course. He has also worked as a consultant for a number of companies including Raytheon, Tenix and others. He has served on the boards of Thomson Sintra Pacific and Saab Pacific.

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