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Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price MP has confirmed that the federal government has committed to a $244 million base upgrade to RAAF Base Curtin in Western Australia, with the tender period to engage a managing contractor expected to close in early April.
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A vital asset for ADF operations in North-West Australia and in the Indian Ocean, the recent announcement is designed to upgrade and refurbish a range of facilities at RAAF Base Curtin, including communications capabilities, roads, hangars for aircraft, security, workshops and electrical services.
Despite the commitment from the federal government, the project nevertheless requires parliamentary approval as it is still in the “development phase”.
Throughout this phase, Defence explained the WSP Australia has been engaged as project manager and contract administrator, with a request for tender released in February 2022 for a managing contractor.
The tender is scheduled to conclude on the 8th of April ahead of an expected announcement in June.
“This is fantastic news for small and medium businesses in and around Derby,” Minister Price said.
“Those local businesses will have the opportunity to contribute to what is going to be a very significant redevelopment of RAAF Base Curtin.”
Minister Price noted, “$244 million is a huge investment that will support 250 local jobs during the construction period.
“One of our core objectives is to maximise employment opportunities for local companies to bid for work on these sorts of projects and this one will be no different.”
According to the minister’s office, construction is expected to begin in late 2024 with a completion date in 2026.
“This investment speaks volumes about the importance the Morrison government places on RAAF Base Curtin to the defence of our nation,” Minister Price said.
“When I visited the base last year, I got a fantastic insight into the vital role it plays but also a great understanding of the complexities of running an air base in a location like Derby.
“Our investment has come at the perfect time and will be welcomed by those who work there.”
