Minister for Defence Media Mail List
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Wednesday, 10 October 2007
121/2007

$58.7 MILLION INFRASTRUCTURE REDEVELOPMENT AT RAAF BASE TINDAL

I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government has committed $58.7 million for the redevelopment of the Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, adjacent to the town of Katherine in the Northern Territory.  RAAF Base Tindal is the main operational base in the Northern Territory and hosts an F/A-18 fighter squadron.  It is also a strategic base for the logistic support of deployed forces.

Construction of the air base commenced in 1984 and the initial development was completed in 1988, when No 75 Squadron, equipped with F/A-18 Hornet fighters, was permanently based there.

Since then there have been a number of major projects at the base that have addressed specific new requirements, however much of the initial infrastructure, now some twenty years old, is in need of mid-life refurbishment or supplementation.

The objective of the project is that of improving the facilities which support the overall capability of RAAF Base Tindal.  The project will also improve the working environment for the airmen and women at the base, supporting initiatives aimed at improving the retention of service personnel.

This project comprises 12 separate elements.  The works are a combination of new construction and refurbishment and will address such varying requirements as catering facilities, workshops, warehousing, fire fighting services, security, power generation and working accommodation.

The project will generate employment and business opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises in regional Northern Territory. At the peak of construction, the number of construction industry jobs is expected to be around 50. Typical trades work required for this project will include: steelwork, concreting, carpentry and joinery, electrical, plumbing, bricklaying, painting, roofing, tiling and landscaping.

Subject to Parliamentary clearance of the project, construction work is expected to start in October 2008 and will be completed by November 2010.



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