The Morrison Government’s economic plan will deliver significant operational capability upgrades to defence airbases around Australia, creating jobs while ensuring Australians are kept safe in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Up to 600 jobs will be created from a $428 million investment to upgrade RAAF airbases Amberley (QLD), Pearce (WA), and Richmond (NSW), and HMAS Albatross (NSW) that will maintain critical airfield infrastructure.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said job creation was at the heart of the Government’s economic plan, with this project maintaining and upgrading critical defence airfield infrastructure to keep our nation safe.
“Our $270 billion defence investment is keeping Australians safe, building our sovereign defence capabilities and creating jobs while securing a strong economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.
“In these uncertain times it’s vital that we take steps to invest in our defence force and ensure our ADF have the best technology and facilities, so that Australians are protected.
“Only by ensuring we have a strong economy can we afford to invest in the defence and national security capabilities we need to keep our nation safe.”
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said that these upgrades would ensure that the ADF can continue to provide critical capabilities.
“Upgrades to these airfields will ensure that the men and women of the ADF can continue to provide the operational capability needed to keep our nation safe, whether that be Super Hornets and Growlers at Amberley, C-130 Hercules at Richmond, our pilot training at Pearce, or our Romeo Helicopters at Nowra,” Minister Dutton said.
“Importantly, our $270 billion defence capability investment over the decade ensures that all of the essential enabling capabilities are also funded – you have to look after your bases to ensure that the men and women of our Defence Force have the tools they need to keep us safe.
“When Labor was in Government, they neglected our Defence base upkeep because of their cuts to the Defence budget – down to the lowest level since before the Second World War – leaving our national security exposed.”
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the significant investment by the Morrison Government would provide benefits to the Queensland, Western Australian and New South Wales economies, maximising the opportunities for both local and Indigenous businesses.
“Since 2019, our Government has committed to 33 capital infrastructure and facilities projects worth over $6.2 billion, which have supported over 11,000 jobs,” Minister Price said.
“We are ensuring that local industry is prioritised and local tradies have the opportunity to work on this significant Defence investment. Importantly, this investment has ensured that our estate works contractors have committed to an average of 78 per cent local industry content, with some committing to up to 100 per cent.
“Small and medium businesses are key to supporting the local economy and over 1000 small and medium businesses have been engaged on Defence capital infrastructure and facilities projects since 2019.
“Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses is also important in our Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap. Defence’s Indigenous Procurement policy assists businesses to participate in the economy and grow. Of the 33 projects committed to since 2019, 13 are Indigenous-owned, which is a significant achievement and has resulted in a commitment of over $195 million to those businesses.”
The airbase upgrades include aircraft runway and pavement improvements including resurfacing asphalt, replacing concrete and remediating contamination; replacing end of life electrical equipment and infrastructure associated with the provision of airfield lighting; and ensuring aviation safety and WHS requirements are met.
Construction is planned to commence in late-2022 and is expected to finish in late-2024.