Joint media release with Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, the Hon Keith Pitt MP

Northern Australia’s economy has been given a great boost by the decision to inject an extra $1.1 billion in the upgrade of RAAF Base Tindal in Katherine, the Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said today.

“More than 300 new jobs will be created in the construction stage and local industry from Katherine and the wider Northern Territory will be strongly involved as a condition of the contract,” Minister Pitt said.

“Investments such as this by the Morrison Government show not only our strong commitment to the north, but our determination to ensure that our country is kept secure.

“This investment will ensure we can support everything from air combat missions to responding to natural disasters, both at home and overseas."

Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Michelle Landry said that the Government would continue to invest strongly in Defence infrastructure in the north.

“This investment is part of the $8 billion the Government is spending in the coming decade on Defence facilities in the Northern Territory,” Assistant Minister Landry said.

“Some $437 million will be spent on infrastructure upgrades at the base that will be great for the local economy with improvements to power, water and sewage and the building of 108 accommodation units for personnel.”

As part of the upgrades, there will also be $747 million for improving and extending the airfield runway and building a new air movements terminal, parking apron and extra fuel storage facilities.

Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to start later this year and be completed at the end of 2027.

Media contacts:

Minister Pitt's Office 02 6277 7180

Assistant Minister Landry's Office 02 6277 4283