Indo-Pacific on mind, Australia to upgrade military bases

Melbourne, April 28

Australia will invest $747 million in upgrading four key military training areas and ranges in the Northern Territory to defend the country’s interests and support greater engagement with the Indo-Pacific neighbours and allies, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Wednesday amid China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

Morrison announced the multi-million dollar investment, stating that the objective was to pursue peace rather than sending any message to China. The multi-million investment will upgrade four key training areas and ranges in the Northern Territory to enable the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to conduct simulated training exercises and remain battle-ready. Essential upgrades will be made to four key military training areas and weapon ranges in the Northern Territory, including Robertson Barracks, Kangaroo Flats, Mount Bundey and Bradshaw.

“These defence training areas and facilities will support greater engagement with our Indo-Pacific neighbours and allies, and to conduct small and large-scale military exercises across a number of different scenarios,” the PM said. “This investment will boom jobs in the Northern Territory,” he said. “Our focus is on pursuing peace, stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a world order that favours freedom," he said. — PTI

$747-million investment

• The $747 million investment will upgrade four key training areas and ranges in the Northern Territory to enable the Australian Defence Force to conduct simulated training exercises.
• Essential upgrades will be made to four key military training areas and weapon ranges in the Northern Territory, including Robertson Barracks, Kangaroo Flats, Mount Bundey and Bradshaw.
• “We will invest more than 270 billion dollars in defence capability across Australia over the next decade, ensuring we have a capable force to meet a changing global environment,” PM Scott Morrison said.