Australia to Invest 3-8 Billion to Strengthen Northern Bases

28 April 2023

RAAF Base Learmonth (image Google Maps)

Strengthening Australia's Northern Bases

The Albanese Labor Government will bolster investment in Australia’s northern bases, committing $3.8 billion over the next four years. 

A key priority area identified in response to the Defence Strategic Review is improving the ability of the Australian Defence Force to operate from Australia’s northern bases.

It is clear that given our strategic circumstances, the Australian Army must be optimised for littoral operations in northern land and maritime spaces, and provide a long-range strike capability. Air Force must also be equipped to support operations in the north through surveillance, air defence, strike and air transport.

RAAF facility in Cocos islands (image : Google Maps)

In order to realise this, the Government has directed Defence to deliver upgrades and development of the northern bases network as a matter of priority, including:

-$2 billion for critical air bases stretching from RAAF Base Learmonth through Cocos (Keeling) Islands, as well as air bases in the Northern Territory and northern Queensland;

-$1 billion for upgrades to land and joint estate capabilities;

-$600 million in maritime estate investments including HMAS Coonawarra, HMAS Cairns and the Harold E Holt Naval Communications Station, and;

-An additional $200 million towards the acceleration of additional projects.

In line with the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review, work across northern air bases will include upgrades to runway and apron capacity, fuel supply and storage, accommodation and security.

Detail of Cocos islands (image : Google Maps)

Investment in land and estate will be centred on major training area upgrades in the Northern Territory, and upgrades at Robertson Barracks in Darwin and Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.

This immediate work will be complemented by the inaugural National Defence Strategy in 2024 which will further progress the Government’s investment for this important priority. 

The $3.8 billion is part of the Albanese Government’s $19 billion commitment over the forward estimates to implement the six priority areas outlined in response to the Defence Strategic Review.

(Aus DoD)