Tindal RAAF Base work starts to roll in

The first defence construction contracts have been rolled out as part of the half billion dollar upgrade of the base in readiness of the arrival of the new Joint Strike Fighter planes.

Accommodation for more than 150 workers is already being built at the base and a number of contractors have taken available rental accommodation in Katherine.

The project is expected to take between 3-5 years.

The new RAAF families to have been stationed at Tindal this year will be given a tour of the base today with a welcome to Katherine event in the town tomorrow.

About $33 million of trade packages have already been awarded to Northern Territory sub-contractors.

A spokeswoman for managing contractor Lendlease said packages awarded to local sub-contractors include the main civil works, base security services, preliminary office clean and construction fencing.

The projects sub-contractors have engaged a total of 35 sub-sub-contractors, of which 19 are Darwin based businesses and 12 Katherine based businesses, the spokeswoman said.

There was no detail of how much of the $33 million has been directed to Katherine businesses.

“Lendlease has a proud history of operating in the Northern Territory for the past 45 years,” she said.

“We have an office in Darwin and a presence in Katherine, reflecting our ongoing commitment to the community and the region.

“Of our current Territory workforce, approximately 23 employees permanently reside in Katherine with their families, allowing them to live within close proximity to nearby projects including the New Air Combat Capability Facilities at RAAF Base Tindal (NACC Tindal) and major works at the Delamere Air Weapons Range.

“We are continuing to work with local authorities so engagement of local sub-contractors and suppliers on the project will be optimised to deliver long-term economic benefit to the region.

“As part of this commitment we have partnered with media outlets and organisations such as the Industry Capability Network (ICN) to promote and manage the Expression of Interest process of all trade procurement.

“Where possible the sub-contract packages are tailored to suit local capacity.”

The “New Air Combat Capability Facilities Project” runs until 2020, with labour peaking at more than 200.

“Over this period, the workforce will form a valuable part of the community, providing economic benefit to Katherine through direct and indirect employment,” the spokeswoman said.

There are approximately 45 trade packages yet to be awarded on the NACC Tindal project, providing further opportunity for sub-contractors to get involved.

The Growler Airborne Electronic Attack Capability Facilities Project at the Delamere Air Weapons Range will have approximately 60 trade packages awarded to industry, totalling about $100 million.

As of January 2017, five of the six trade packages released have been awarded to local Northern Territory contractors, the Lendlease spokeswoman said.

This includes earthworks, security and environmental activities.

At present, more than half the packages are either out to tender or have closed and are under assessment. The remaining packages will be tendered over the coming months.

The Delamere Air Weapons Range project is due for completion in second half of 2018.