Defence Hub
The strategic importance of Darwin to the nation’s defence activities is recognised by the growing presence of the Australian Defence Force in the north.
New Defence equipment being located in Darwin will provide considerable benefits to the Territory economy. Darwin has the opportunity to develop high technology industries to support this presence.
A proposed new Defence Support Hub and Industrial Park located adjacent to Robertson Barracks will provide a location for maintenance and support contracts to be carried out in the Territory. The hub will facilitate industry development and co-locate Defence equipment with service contractors.
What we would like to achieve
- A new Defence Support Hub adjacent to Robertson Barracks to co-locate industry and Defence equipment.
- New Defence equipment and personnel moving to Darwin provide opportunities for maintenance and support contracts.
- Increasing local industry capacity to service advanced technologies.
Growing defence support industries
The Australian Defence Force makes a significant contribution to the Territory economy. The Northern Territory is home to about 10 per cent of Australia’s combat forces and 6 per cent of the national defence budget, contributing about $800 million to the economy.
Darwin supports five major Defence establishments at Robertson Barracks, Larrakeyah Barracks, Coonawarra, Defence Establishment Berrimah and RAAF Base Darwin. RAAF Base Tindal is 300km down the track near Katherine.
Creating opportunities for local business to compete for maintenance and support contracts, and attracting national and international businesses to the Territory is a priority.
Proposals include
- Development of a 60 hectare Defence Support Hub close to Robertson Barracks to enable prime contractors and small business to establish strategic industry clusters to deliver valuable support for major new Defence platforms based in the Top End.
- Defence Hub supported by modern infrastructure and education to provide support for 16 new Tiger Armed Reconnaissance helicopters and 41 of the Australian Army's squadron of Abrams Tanks to be based with the 1st Brigade at Robertson Barracks from 2007.
- Government to engage Defence and industries that have the capacity to offer ‘through life’ support to defence platforms.
