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Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite has announced a $41.7 million investment to expand and upgrade infrastructure at RAAF Base Tindal in Katherine, Northern Territory.
The multi-million-dollar investment includes refurbishments to the RAAF Base Tindal Fire Station, a community building, and security alarm upgrades and will create 550 job opportunities in Katherine, providing significant opportunities for local trades, construction, and other businesses, including promoting the participation of Indigenous companies.
Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite MP said, “The $41.7 million upgrades at RAAF Base Tindal will be delivered by local businesses in Katherine, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
“The Defence estate is vital in supporting ADF operational readiness, force posture and structure. A safe and well-maintained estate supports our ADF members who live, work and train on these bases,” Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite said.
The works are part of the Albanese government’s “generational investment” in the ADF’s posture, capability, and structure to deliver the National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program.
This includes focused investment in the Defence estate across the NT and Australia to enhance the ADF’s ability to project force, support workforce growth, and meet training needs.
The airfield was constructed in 1942 during World War II and was originally called Carson’s Airfield, located 15 kilometres outside Katherine and 320 kilometres south-east of Darwin in the NT. Despite being the Air Force’s youngest operational base (except for bare bases) officially being declared such in 1984, it is now one of Australia’s most important Defence sites.
Notable exercises include Pitch Black, Diamond Storm, Arnhem Thunder, and Talisman Sabre. RAAF Base Tindal’s ideal dry season weather and proximity to Delamere Air Weapons Range makes it a superb location to conduct high-end training sorties for the RAAF and coalition partners.
