Sitzler has been engaged as the Managing Contractor for the $747 million Northern Territory Training Areas and Ranges Upgrades Project.
Sitzler has also given the first estimates of the number of people to be employed on the project, with that figure expected to reach 2000 over the course of the five-year upgrades.
The investment is part of $15.6 billion the government is spending on Defence capital facilities and infrastructure across Australia over the next four years – an increase on the $12.4 billion spent over the past decade.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the project – a critical element of the United States Force Posture Initiatives – would have major economic benefits for the NT, with the substantial investment supporting local businesses for the next five years.
“This is a major win for small and local businesses across northern Australia, who will be given every opportunity to get involved in this vital Defence project,” Minister Price said.
“Sitzler has a target of 98 per cent of the construction sub-contractor packages to businesses within northern Australia.
“Sitzler has not only estimated that a 2000-strong workforce will be involved over the life of the project, but about 65 sub-contractor packages will also be available for tender.
“They will also set an Indigenous participation target of 4 per cent for Indigenous business involvement on the project, which will be directly under the Commonwealth’s Indigenous Participation Policy.”
Construction works will start at Robertson Barracks Close Training Area and Bradshaw Field Training Area first, with staggered works at Kangaroo Flats Training Area and Mount Bundey Training Area to follow later in the program.
“This investment will enhance the levels of integration between the Australian Defence Force and our partners, including the United States Marine Corps,” Minister Price said.
“The project will also provide reliable access to suitable military training areas and weapons ranges to meet ADF capability requirements.”
Construction is expected to start in October 2021 and be finished in 2026.