Page 43 - Australian Defence Magazine April 2023

swathe of design consultants in tow. The $747 million project aims to provide essential upgrades to facilities and infrastructure at four existing Defence training areas in the Northern Territory to ensure the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has reliable access to suitable military training areas and weapons range to meet military capability. The proposed works also enhance the levels of interoperability between the ADF and their partners, including with the US military forces, through expanded cooperation and increased opportunities for combined training and exercises.
In late 2021, the project navigated its way through the government approval process leading to the granting of expediency motion through the Public Works Committee and now has three of the major training areas in construction, namely Robertson Close Training Area, Kangaroo Flats Training Area, and Bradshaw Field Training Area. To date, 38 major subcontract packages have been awarded and currently, there are several packages under assessment. Works should commence on the final of the four NT training ranges, Mt Bundey Training Area later this year with all works due to be completed in mid-2026.
With the Driver Training Precinct at Robertson Barracks recently completed, training activities will be able to take place during this year’s US Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) as part of the United States Force Posture Initiatives.
AKJ Services (AKJ) was awarded the Driver Training Precinct package in early 2022 and demonstrated an outstanding commitment to delivering a quality product throughout the course of its contract. A female-led, 100% Larrakia-owned, managed, and operated business, AKJ’s success is indicative of the capability that Defence contractors can tap into to help deliver a higher volume and increasingly complex Defence infrastructure throughout Northern Australia.
Sitzler’s procurement team recognised the value in targeting local and Indigenous businesses that were familiar with building in Darwin’s unique conditions but were less experienced in
delivering more complex Defence projects. The success of this strategy is a win-win-win for AKJ, local industry and Defence, with AKJ recently being awarded a second, similar package at Kangaroo Flats Training Area.
“Focussing on innovation, delivery and an excellent understanding of the capabilities of the local NT industry, we have been able to fashion a procurement program to include and maximise supply partners in the market. The success of AKJ Services is just one example of how we have been able to deliver the right industry package for Defence while supporting local Northern suppliers” says Sitzler’s General Manager, Anthony Carbone.
As the USFPI NT Training Areas and Ranges project is forecast to continue construction works into 2026, Sitzler has a mind to how they can continue to support the increased construction activities for Defence in the north, especially since the Defence Strategic Review starts to solidify into government direction, and the north is expected to see a greater focus for Defence. The defence industry and partners need to continue to look at how these opportunities can be supported with the limited pool of tradespeople and the often-harsh operating conditions.
Sitzler proudly considers itself to be a key delivery partner for Defence and the Commonwealth, with a continued focus on our projects and our people. With 6% of our workforce being veterans we recognise their experience, skills and qualifications make them valuable members of our team. As our comprehensive Defence project portfolio continues to grow, we remain committed to investing in the development and career opportunities for our people.
If you would like to find out more about Sitzler projects or career opportunities, please visit sitzler.com.au
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