Australian DoD Awards US Marines Support Contract

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has awarded a multi-million dollar contract to upgrade facilities at two Darwin bases in preparation for the 2014 rotation of US Marines. 

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Darren Chester today announced that Sitzler Pty Ltd has been awarded the $11 million contract to construct new facilities at Robertson Barracks and RAAF Darwin to support the deployment. 

“While the US Marines will mostly use existing Defence facilities, as they have in previous rotations, some modest facilities works are required to meet additional requirements,” Mr Chester said. 

“The facilities will ensure that appropriate living and working accommodation is available for the US Marine Corps.” 

Construction will commence later this month and is scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2014. The works will provide economic benefit to the Darwin region, including creating local employment opportunities. 

Following successful rotations of around 200 US Marines in 2012 and 2013, a larger rotation of around 1150 US Marines will occur in northern Australia in 2014.

The majority of the Marines will be accommodated at Robertson Barracks, with a smaller aviation support contingent of around 130 personnel at RAAF Darwin, along with four heavy lift helicopters.