Defence bases in northern Australia receive $4 billion upgrades

Defence Minister Richard Marles, speaking from Darwin, said land, air and naval installations will receive funding for vital improvements.

The move followed the release of the Defence Strategic Review on Monday, which recommended the armed forces change strategies towards missiles and long-range weapons.

The Albanese will spend a total of $19 billion to carry out the review’s recommendations.

“As the Defence Strategic Review rightly observes, our northern bases are a huge asset and critical to Australia’s ability to project,” Marles said.

“Our immediate investment in these bases will ensure our defence force is able to operate from them effectively.”

He gave details about how much of the $3.8 billion will be spent.

Air bases across the Northern Territory, Queensland and Cocos Islands will receive $2 billion for improvements.

One billion dollars will be spent to upgrade land and ‘joint estate’ capabilities.

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And naval installations, including HMAS Coonawarra and HMAS Cairns, will get $600 million.

The review highlighted the importance Northern Territory bases play in projecting the firepower of the ADF and their vital strategic location.

Since 2011, the Top End has hosted regular rotations by thousands of US Marines who have held drills with Australian forces.

Marles also said today that officials were close to finalising a review into a Chinese company’s lease over the Port of Darwin.

“The outcome of that review is not far off … I’m not about to speculate on the outcome of that review. Let’s see what it comes up with, but it’s not far off.”

The 99-year port lease was granted to Landbridge Group in 2015 by the then Country Liberal NT government.