Upgrades for the RAAF Base Darwin Mid-Term Refresh project have started with the construction costing $159.9 million. Works commenced on the major capital facilities and infrastructure project in early April.
“This is an important step in achieving the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which called for upgraded northern bases to enhance the ability of the Australian Defence Force to project force,” Defence’s Director General Capital Facilities and Infrastructure, Brigadier Matthew Quinn, stated.
The project will provide upgrades to the RAAF base to enhance security, community safety and resilience, including a new high-capacity main entrance, an upgraded entrance for heavy vehicles, and upgrades to potable water, firefighting water and sewer infrastructure.
“These critical upgrades follow recent works to enhance the main runway and taxiways, improving the capacity, security and resilience of RAAF Base Darwin and ensuring the base remains fit-for-purpose into the future," Brigadier Quinn said.
The upgrades will allow the base to support the significant number of personnel, aircraft and support elements that operate from RAAF Base Darwin during major activities and exercises.
In December 2024, Defence made Laing O’Rourke the managing contractor for the delivery of the project. Construction has been forecasted to be completed by mid-2027.