Treasurer Nicole Manison said the centre will enhance the capabilities of Bushfires NT (BFNT) so that landholders are better able to prevent, mitigate and respond to bushfires.

An additional $2 million a year operational funding – on top of BFNT’s existing budget of $6 million – will go towards upgrading the firefighting fleet, improved support for volunteers, better protective clothing and equipment, better training, improved communications and community engagement and operations.

Ms Manison said the corner of the Stuart Highway and Townend Road had been identified as a suitable location for the new Headquarters, providing a central point for the surrounding volunteer bushfire brigade areas, and excellent accessibility and visibility.

It will replace the Batchelor and Winnellie offices and construction is expected to start in 2019.

The location is adjacent to the World War II Hughes airstrip which currently serves as a forward base for fixed wing firefighting aircraft when responding to significant fires in the rural area.

“Budget 2018 will create more jobs, attract more people to the Territory and invest in generational change to create a brighter future for all Territorians,” Ms Manison said.

“Today’s announcement sees a significant investment in the rural area, where demand for services – particular asset protection - continues to increase as the population grows.

“Every single Territorian, no matter where they live, deserves to be and feel safe, and to have access to high quality services”, Ms Manison said.

“As the population grows in the rural area, demand and expectations for services, particularly asset protection, increases.

“Development of BFNT headquarters within the Darwin rural area will improve community safety and accessibility, and strengthen relationships between rural land holders, volunteers and service providers.

“The project will also support the construction industry through investment and jobs during the construction of the new facility, and is expected to create around 30 jobs for locals.”

Bushfires NT volunteers are the wildfire response for more than 6000 residents who live outside the Darwin Emergency Response Area (ERA), which is administered by the NT Fire and Rescue Service. The continuing growth of rural residential living, combined with the spread of high fire risk weeds such as gamba grass, has led to substantially greater bushfire risk in the Darwin rural area over the past decade.

The new facility will house the BFNT VHF radio network, linking the volunteers, staff and contractors during wildfires and emergencies.

It also incorporates a volunteer training centre for volunteers, including an outdoor area suitable for practical fire suppression training.

This facility will also provide suitable training rooms and facilities including a 20ha area for live fire suppression training.