The upgrades are expected to involve maintenance and improvements to critical airfield infrastructure, including work to enable movements of larger civilian aircraft at Newcastle Airport.

Under its Local Industry Capability Plan, Downer EDI Works Pty Limited has committed to delivering at least 75 per cent of the total contract value to local businesses and achieving at least 4.5 per cent Indigenous employment participation.

Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2022 and is expected to be completed in late 2023.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the contract would maximise opportunities for both local and Indigenous businesses. 

“RAAF Base Williamtown is the Royal Australian Air Force’s main airbase for fighter pilot training and supports a large workforce of Defence personnel,” Minister Price said.

“… This contract is estimated to support about 300 jobs with an average of about 130 personnel per day.

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“This shows yet again that the Morrison government is supporting Australian jobs and backing our defence industry to deliver the capability our men and women in uniform need to keep Australians safe.”

Senator for the Hunter Region Hollie Hughes welcomed the deal, reflecting on the potential benefits for the local community.

“This is a great project that will deliver increased airfield capacity for larger civilian aircraft, supporting increased international travel and regional tourism,” Senator Hughes said.

“It will also benefit our local economy with an improved accessibility to international freight for exporting regional produce.”

 [Related: NT firm tapped to deliver base upgrades]

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