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RAAF bases Curtin and Learmonth are set for major upgrades under construction approved by the Department of Defence.
The WA bases outside Derby and Exmouth respectively will receive improvements including upgraded runways, taxiways and aeronautical ground lighting.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2028.
The two sites are ‘bare bases’, meaning they are not permanently home to any one aircraft, but can be used on an ad hoc basis for training exercise and operations.
CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors has been selected by the Australian government’s Department of Defence to undertake the early contractor involvement development phase for the upgrades.
“CPB Contractors has successfully delivered upgrades at RAAF bases Pearce, Amberley, and Williamtown and will be applying this experience to ensure that normal operations continue without disruption while works are underway,” said CPB Contractors managing director Jason Spears.
“Our teams will be supporting the participation of local industry in line with CPB Contractors’ ongoing commitment to building industry capacity and capability through the delivery of major projects, including these two important Defence airbases.”
The ECI phase will be completed in 2024.
RAAF Base Curtin is located on the north coast of WA, southeast of Derby and 170 kilometres east of Broome. It was opened in 1988 and named in honour of former PM John Curtin.
RAAF Base Learmonth is located on the North West Cape peninsula of WA, approximately 30 kilometres south of Exmouth. It was established in the 1950s but during WWII the site provided protection for the US Navy’s submarine base in the Exmouth Gulf.
It’s currently home to a variety of Air Force radar stations, providing early warning of enemy movements.
