2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

Capability priorities 103
Northern Australia
4.73 As outlined in the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia
released on 18 June 2015, the Government is committed to a
strengthened Defence presence in northern Australia.
4.74 Defence’s presence and investment in northern Australia over the next
decade will gradually increase to support the needs of the more capable,
high technology future force that Defence will bring into service and a
more active defence posture.
4.75 Investment in infrastructure in northern Australia to support the ADF’s
strike and air combat capabilities, including Joint Strike Fighters,
Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft and air-to-air
refuellers, will include upgrades to RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory,
RAAF Scherger in Queensland, and RAAF Bases Learmonth and Curtin in
Western Australia.
4.76 Infrastructure works at RAAF Tindal and Cocos (Keeling) Islands will be
needed to ensure airfields and associated facilities can support the new
fleet of P‐8A maritime surveillance and response aircraft.
SECTION TWO CAPABILITY
4.77 In support of Australia’s Strategic Defence Objectives, Navy requires
access to secure bases in northern Australia. As Navy’s fleet becomes
larger over the years, both in the number and size of ships, Navy bases
in northern Australia will require significant upgrades. This includes
upgrades to support the introduction of the larger and more capable
offshore patrol vessels. Consideration will be given to constructing a
roll-on/roll-off wharf in Darwin to support our amphibious capability
based around our two Canberra Class amphibious ships.
4.78 A number of ADF training areas in northern Australia will receive upgrades
by 2020, including Shoalwater Bay (Queensland), Bradshaw Field
Training Area (Northern Territory) and Yampi Sound (Western Australia)
2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER