The Department of Defence has outlined the Commonwealth’s commitment to the ACT in the years ahead as it unravels its $270 billion strategic update and structure plan for the future.
Minister for Defence, Senator Linda Reynolds (pictured) said the ACT already provided essential support to Australia’s defence capability by being home for Defence’s Headquarters and key policy, intelligence, security, training, and communications capabilities.
“Through this Plan, there will be around $1.3 billion invested over the coming decade into the refresh and redevelopment of Defence facilities in the ACT including HMAS Harman, Russell Offices, the Australian Defence College at Weston, the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College Duntroon,” Senator Reynolds said.
She said ACT industry would be involved in delivering the projects.
“This ensures that local suppliers, contractors and tradies have the opportunity to secure more of this work, creating more jobs in local communities.”
Senator Reynolds said the program was on top of the Federal Government’s commitment to building and sustaining Australian Defence Force capability in the ACT.
“Over the 12 months to March 2020, Defence has invested around $4 billion in the ACT,” the Minister said.
She said the Department of Defence’s key programs and activities in the ACT included radar development for maritime platforms; Satellite Ground stations and network management systems; as well as deployable command and intelligence computer systems.
“The ACT will remain the location for ADF Headquarters, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group and the Australian Signals Directorate,” Senator Reynolds said.
“Today, the ACT is home to over 17,500 Defence personnel,” she said.
