Canberra is investing 41.7 million Australian dollars ($27.6 million) in major upgrades to military infrastructures in Katherine, Northern Territory.
The project will focus on the living and working accommodations for warfighters at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Tindal.
It will also provide repairs to the installation’s fire station, security warning systems, and community buildings.
Work for the base will create more than 500 jobs in the town and corresponding opportunities across construction, local trades, businesses, and indigenous companies.
“The Defence estate is vital in supporting operational readiness, force posture and structure,” Australian Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite stated.
“A safe and well-maintained estate supports our members who live, work and train on these bases.”
“The Albanese Government will continue to invest in Defence estate and infrastructure, which is critical to the capacity of our [Australian Defence force] to help keep Australians safe.”
National Military Infrastructure Programs
The Katherine reconstruction project is among the many military estate modernizations being facilitated by the Australian government as part of its 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Earlier in May, Canberra approved additional investments to deliver simultaneous upgrades across the Northern Territory.
It will cover airfield and aerial refueling mission enhancements in Tindal, new littoral maneuver centers and berthing platforms in Darwin, and major facility maintenance across the region.
The government announced parallel construction work in February for aircraft support facilities in RAAF Townsville and canine centers at the Lavarack Barracks.
The same month, Australia commenced an initiative to improve army hubs at Robertson Barracks and Howard Springs South.
Alongside areas in the Northern Territory, the Australian Department of Defence has allocated a budget for infrastructure work in Queensland and Garden Island.