NSW cities to get greener and cooler with $10 million tree planting boost

The Minns Labor Government is delivering close to $10 million to plant around 24,000 trees which will green our streets and reduce the impacts of urban heating across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Hunter, and Central Coast.

The Greening our City grants have been awarded to 28 projects and will provide 47,000 square metres of biodiverse understorey planting, transforming streets, parks, and public spaces into cooler, greener environments.

We’re supporting councils to grow tree canopy cover, help reduce urban heat, and boost biodiversity so neighbourhoods are more liveable and climate resilient.

Most trees will be planted in areas with low canopy cover, with three-quarters of plantings going to sites that currently have just 10-20% coverage. These will cool neighbourhoods, improve air quality, and support communities in areas that need it most.

Research has shown that shaded surfaces may be 11-25°C cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded surfaces.

Across Greater Sydney, 28 projects will deliver nearly 12,000 trees and 35,000 square metres of understorey planting. In the Cumberland Local Government Area funds will be used to create green corridors and reduce heat in low- and mid-rise housing areas, while Tahmoor Park in Wollondilly will be significantly greened with a carefully planned design featuring local species.

This fifth round of the Greening our City grant program was expanded to Illawarra-Shoalhaven, the Hunter, and Central Coast.

Seven projects in these regions will receive over $2.4 million to plant more than 12,000 trees and 13,000 square metres of understorey planting including:

  • Increasing canopy across the Cessnock Local Government Area in five suburbs and townships, enhancing public green spaces.
  • Greening Lake Macquarie’s corridors through tree canopy planting in urban heat-vulnerable hotspots, to improve liveability and biodiversity.
  • Greening Shoalhaven’s carparks by increasing tree canopy in town centres, creating shelter and shade in high-traffic areas to mitigate urban heat blackspots and enhance local biodiversity.
  • Greening Wollongong through a data-informed approach, with street and park tree plantings, understorey vegetation, and tiny forests to improve climate resilience.

The program has awarded $35.1 million to 131 greening projects across Greater Sydney, building climate resilience, improving air quality, and connecting communities with nature.

A full list of successful applicants is available here.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government investing to build better communities right across the state.

“The Greening our city program, which we have extended, is delivering 24,000 trees across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Hunter and the Central Coast. That’s 6000 more trees than New York’s Central Park.

“It will deliver beautiful public spaces where people can relax and play and critically it helps to reduce urban heat, creating cooler, more liveable communities.

“Each of these grants will make our towns and cities cooler, greener, and more enjoyable places to live, work and travel.”

Data centre inquiry must consider the AI ​​opportunity for NSW

The NSW Liberals and Nationals say the work of the nation-first parliamentary inquiry into data centres must be grounded in a clear understanding of the extraordinary economic and social opportunity presented by artificial intelligence, and the critical infrastructure required to power it.
 
Data centres underpin artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, health systems, financial services and government service delivery, all of which can directly improve outcomes for NSW citizens.
 
Concerns around water use, energy demand and environmental impacts are real, immediate and must be managed responsibly, but they should not be weaponised as a pretext to halt or discourage investment in the digital infrastructure that will power the next generation of jobs and productivity growth.
 
“Artificial intelligence will define economic growth, productivity and public service delivery for the next generation,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Data centres are not optional, they are essential infrastructure if NSW wants to lead, not follow.”
 
“If NSW sends a signal that it is uncomfortable with building the infrastructure needed for AI, global capital will simply go elsewhere,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“That means fewer jobs, less innovation, and worse outcomes for citizens.”
 
Shadow Minister for the Environment, the Hon Jacqui Munro MLC said, “What we know is that the government is struggling to get the settings right on critical digital infrastructure. It is jeopardising our chance to have an honest and ambitious public conversation about how we lock in prosperity.”
 
“This inquiry is our chance to have a much-needed public conversation on AI, resources and the public good, where the government has failed to lead.”
 
What is increasingly apparent is the lack of ambition from the NSW Labor Government when it comes to artificial intelligence and the digital infrastructure that underpins it.
 
“An ambitious government would be asking how AI can make our hospitals smarter, our energy system more efficient, and our public services more responsive,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Instead, Labor appears far more comfortable talking about constraints than opportunity.”
 
The Coalition believes the work of this inquiry should be framed around a simple question: how do we maximise the benefits of AI for all of NSW, while managing impacts sensibly and transparently?
 
 That requires:
recognising AI as a core economic and productivity driver;
supporting investment in energy and digital infrastructure with clear, stable policy settings; and
ensuring environmental safeguards are evidence-based and fit for purpose.
 “This is not about slowing progress,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“It’s about getting the settings right so NSW can lead the nation in artificial intelligence, attract investment, and deliver better outcomes for people.”
 
NSW has the opportunity to be a national leader in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. That requires clear-headed policy, not ideological resistance to growth.

One step closer to Western Sydney’s new child and adolescent Mental Health Unit

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have today celebrated the completion of construction on the new 10-bed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Nepean Hospital.
 
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Sarah Mitchell said the co-designed unit is a huge win for the local community, particularly young people who need specialist care.
 
“The new facility will allow our mental-health workforce to provide care and better support for young people and their families closer to home,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
Announced, funded and planned in 2019 as part of the former Coalition Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, the unit includes 10 single bedrooms with ensuites, specialised clinical spaces, learning and recreational spaces, and a designated carer’s suite.
 
Mrs Mitchell expressed disappointment at the lengths the Minns Labor Government had gone to in politicising this announcement and claiming credit for it.
 
“Mental health is too important for political spin. The community deserves honesty about who did the work, and more importantly, transparency about what comes next,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
“With demand for mental health services continuing to grow, particularly for children and young people, the Minister needs to answer a simple question – what is the plan?”
 
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health Susan Carter said today’s announcement was lacking any sense of vision for mental health in NSW.
 
“Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has failed to announce any new major mental health infrastructure commitments of its own,” Ms Carter said.
 
“Where is the innovation, where is the long-term strategy, and where are the new investments to ensure the system can meet future demand?”
 
The new unit is expected to be operational by mid-2026.

Labor walks back Western Sydney Light Rail promise

The Minns Labor Government has quietly walked back a core election commitment to the people of Western Sydney, confirming it will only proceed with a partial section of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, rather than delivering the line in full as promised.

Today’s announcement and media reporting confirm that Labor will now build Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 in two stages, with no funding certainty, timetable or completion date for the full line.

This decision will leave families and workers in Wentworth Point and the Olympic Park precinct waiting years longer for the public transport they were promised before the last election.

Before the election, Labor made a clear commitment to the people of Western Sydney to deliver the full Stage 2 line and provide certainty for some of the fastest growing communities in NSW.

Instead, Western Sydney is today being given spin, excuses, and half a light rail line. But don’t take our word for it, here is what Labor said:
Chris Minns, then-Opposition Leader, on 6 January 2023 :
“We need to get this right. We want to make sure that we’re putting in infrastructure for the fast growing western suburbs of Sydney. This is a key announcement as part of our jigsaw puzzle for this fast growing part of New South Wales, and if we’re elected, we will complete this piece of transport infrastructure for Western Sydney.”

Chris Minns, as Premier, on 3 June 2024:
“People moved into the area with the promise of infrastructure that never arrived. The NSW Labor Government is now delivering.”

Jo Haylen, then-Shadow Minister for Transport, on 6 January 2023:
“Labor will deliver the public transport that these rapidly growing communities need. We won’t leave Parramatta with half a light rail service, because it must connect to Sydney Olympic Park…”
 
Donna Davis, then-Labor Candidate for Parramatta, on 6 January 2023:
“We already have over 14,000 people living in Wentworth Point, one of the most densely populated suburbs within New South Wales. But the public transport there is appalling.”

Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane, said the Minns Labor Government’s announcement represents a clear breach of faith with Western Sydney.

“Chris Minns looked the people of Western Sydney in the eye and promised the full Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project,” Ms Sloane said.

“Now Labor is delivering only part of the line, with no certainty on when, or if, the rest will be completed.”

“This is the same old Labor: saying what they think people want to hear before an election, then walking away from those promises after the votes are counted.”

Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, Monica Tudehope, said this walked back election promise shows how Labor has failed the people of Western Sydney.

“The people of Western Sydney deserve clarity and confidence, not to be left stranded waiting for infrastructure that may never arrive,” Ms Tudehope said.

“This is another example of Labor not being able to build the projects our growing city needs.”

“Announcing only part of a light rail line, while leaving workers, families and communities in Wentworth Point and Olympic Park in limbo, is an embarrassment.”

“Labor must come clean about when, or if, the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will actually be delivered.”

Record funding for public hospitals and disability reform

National Cabinet met in Sydney today and reached a landmark agreement to deliver record funding to state and territory hospitals and secure the future of the NDIS.  

These reforms will ensure Australians can continue to access world class health care and disability supports.

It prioritises investment in our precious public health system and builds on the Commonwealth’s measures to strengthen Medicare.

Hospital funding

Today’s agreement reaffirms a shared commitment to delivering safe, high-quality health and disability services for all Australians. It is a major step forward in addressing growing pressures on our health and aged care systems and the NDIS, ensuring their sustainable delivery into the future.

As part of this deal, the Commonwealth will provide $25 billion in additional funding for public hospitals. This is three times more additional funding for public hospitals than under the last 5 year agreement. Commonwealth funding for state-run public hospitals will reach a record $219.6 billion from 2026-27 to 2030-31.

The funding includes the Commonwealth share of estimated hospital activity from 2026-27 to 2030-31 of $24.4 billion through the National Health Reform Agreement hospital base funding and over $600 million in further Commonwealth investment in the public hospital system.

The Commonwealth will continue to help states take pressure off their hospitals by delivering 137 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, record investment to expand the bulk billing incentive for all Australians, 92 Medicare Mental Health Clinics, 1800Medicare, cheaper medicines for every Australian and delivering the best aged care for older Australians.

Disability reforms

National Cabinet has acknowledged the need for continuing reforms to secure the future of the NDIS, ensuring it is sustainable and can continue to provide life changing support to future generations of Australians with disability.

Building on this momentum, National Cabinet has agreed to additional reforms including: 

  • Adjusting state and territory NDIS contribution escalation rates to be in line with actual scheme growth, capped at 8 per cent, from 1 July 2028 with a review point in 2030-31.
  • Working together to target annual cost increases to 5 to 6 per cent.
  • $2 billion, matched by states, to deliver Thriving Kids, the first phase of Foundational Supports, with the Commonwealth providing $1.4 billion of its contribution to support states to help their kids thrive.

The national model of Thriving Kids has been informed by the Thriving Kids Advisory Group led by Minister Butler and Professor Oberklaid OAM, and the Parliamentary Inquiry led by Dr Mike Freelander and Dr Monique Ryan.

The Commonwealth has listened to stakeholders including parents, health professionals, disability advocates, educators and states. To ensure states and territories have enough time to implement Thriving Kids the roll out will now commence on 1 October 2026, with full implementation by 1 January 2028.

Children with permanent and significant disability, including those with developmental delay and/or autism with high support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS. 

From 1 October 2026, children with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs will start to access support through Thriving Kids. Thriving Kids will be fully rolled out by 1 January 2028.

Children aged 8 and under enrolled in the NDIS prior to 1 January 2028 with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs will be subject to the usual reassessment criteria in place prior to 1 January 2028.

The Commonwealth, states and territories will continue to finalise the national and local services to be delivered to support children and their families in each jurisdiction.

The National Health Reform Agreement Addendum is more than hospital funding. This new Addendum has key reforms embedded throughout to make Australia’s hospital and health care system more effective, efficient and equitable.

Australia has world-leading health and disability support services. The decisions taken by National Cabinet today will further strengthen our health system and secure the future of the NDIS.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Additional $160 million committed to support recovery for fire-affected communities

The Albanese and Allan Governments continue to stand with communities affected by the devastating January 2026 Victorian bushfires, announcing $160 million in additional support to help families, businesses and primary producers.

Up to $158 million is funded by both Governments under joint Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), while the Allan Government is investing an extra $2 million for schools within fire-affected areas to engage additional mental health services.

Local government areas eligible for support are Alpine Shire, Ararat Rural City, Benalla Rural City, Campaspe Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Greater Bendigo City, Horsham Rural City, Macedon Ranges Shire, Mansfield Shire, Mildura Rural City, Mitchell Shire, Moira Shire, Mount Alexander Shire, Murrindindi Shire, Pyrenees Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Towong Shire, Wellington Shire, Wodonga City, Yarra Ranges Shire and Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.

This funding builds on the more than $210 million in already announced relief and recovery supports for bushfire-affected Victorians, including emergency relief payments, grants for primary producers, access to emergency accommodation, and support for councils.

Clean-up for homes and businesses

An additional $112 million will expand the state-coordinated Clean-up Program with Forge Solutions now appointed as lead contractor. Forge Solutions have extensive experience in disaster clean up and will prioritise engaging local contractors to support their work.

Clean-up support will be available for uninsured and underinsured residential homes and structures such as sheds or garages.

It will also be available for businesses if uninsured or underinsured structures have been damaged or destroyed by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Uninsured and underinsured community assets – like sporting facilities and community halls – will also be able to access the clean-up program if clean-up is not covered by other programs.

Registrations for the Clean-up Program are now open. Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 or visit Emergency Recovery Victoria website: vic.gov.au/clean-support-january-2026-bushfires.

Emergency Recovery Support Program

Recovery has a long tail. To help people get the support they need throughout their recovery journey, an additional $20 million will expand the Emergency Recovery Support Program.

The program helps people affected by the bushfires navigate and access the government support programs and services they need. It can also help with things like insurance and legal questions, finding local services and connecting people to essential health and wellbeing support.

Dedicated recovery support workers will also be available for people who need extra help navigating their recovery.

The Emergency Recovery Support Program is available by calling the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.

Temporary accommodation

Further funding is being provided to ensure immediate accommodation supports are available to those who need it, while we work to provide medium to longer term accommodation options best suited to the recovery needs of individuals, families and communities.

Financial counselling and advisory support for businesses  

More than $1.7 million will go towards supporting business owners affected by the January 2026 bushfires by providing access to tailored business recovery advice and financial counselling.

The Business Recovery Advisory Service will be available on the ground and through the Business Victoria website. Business Recovery Advisors will deliver free, confidential one-on-one support to business owners, tailored to their circumstances and supporting their long-term recovery. 

The Small Business Financial Counselling service will provide free and confidential financial counselling to businesses who are in financial risk or at risk of it due to the bushfires.

More information will be available on the Business Victoria website: business.vic.gov.au.

Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store rebuild

Kickstarting Victoria’s agricultural recovery is a priority, with $500,000 going towards accelerating the rebuild of the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store facility.

More than 95 businesses in Harcourt and the surrounding region rely on the facility to keep apples, pears, seed potatoes, wine, craft beer and beehives at temperature.

Public land and waterway recovery

Funding of $16.1 million will support immediate repair works to public land and waterways, recognising the devastating impact the bushfires have had on the environment.

This includes making roads and bridges safe so they can open as quickly as possible, land management works, as well as pest control and critical mitigation of immediate risks to threatened species and biodiversity. It also includes catchment and waterway restoration activities undertaken with our Catchment Management Authorities, such as riparian fencing support for landholders, and immediate works to address water quality risks and remediate riparian areas.

Prolonged Power Outage Payments for businesses

Almost $1.4 million will ensure businesses are able to access Prolonged Power Outage Payments if they have been without power for seven or more days within a two-week period.

Recognising the integral role small businesses play in communities and the impact of prolonged outages, payments of $3,088 per week will be available for up to three weeks.
As previously announced, eligible households can continue to apply for payments of $2,380 per week for up to three weeks.

Affected businesses can apply for a payment through their electricity distribution business. More information is available at energy.vic.gov.au/about-energy/safety/power-outages.

Recovery Water Tank Rebates

Financial assistance will be available for bushfire-affected rural households that are not connected to mains water supply, with new program to help ensure access to safe drinking water.

Eligible households will receive a rebate of up to $1,500 for cleaning and decontaminating rain water tanks, roofs and gutters that are impacted by the fires. Residents who have already paid for cleaning are also eligible for reimbursement.

Mental health support

More than $6.9 million will deliver additional mental health and wellbeing support for those in bushfire-affected communities.

$4.9 million will expand the reach of existing Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals into areas affected by the bushfires – providing free treatment, care and support for adults.

A list of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals can be found at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mental-health-wellbeing-locals.

We know the mental health and wellbeing of young people can suffer significantly after a disaster due to trauma, loss, and disruption. A $2 million investment by the Allan Government will ensure students in identified government schools affected by the fires can access additional mental health support.

How to help

The Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation (VERRF) has launched the January 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Victorians can provide financial support directly to communities impacted by the fires by visiting vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal

Goods and services can also be donated through the charity GIVIT by visiting givit.org.au.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Federal Government is working hand in hand with the Victorian Government to provide immediate support for communities impacted by the devastating bushfires.

“At the worst of times, we always see the best of the Australian character and we’re seeing that right here in Victoria.

“We’ve got their back, which is why we’re rolling out support now to support communities through the recovery.”

Premier Jacinta Allan

“This is a locally-led recovery, informed by what bushfire-affected Victorians need – and we’re backing them with the funding they need to get on and recover from these devastating bushfires.

“We’ll continue to stand with communities as they start building back better and stronger.”

Visit to Australia by Their Majesties The King and Queen of Denmark

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome Their Majesties, The King and Queen of Denmark, to Australia from 14 to 19 March.

During their six-day visit, Their Majesties will visit the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania, for a number of business and cultural engagements.

This will be Their Majesties’ fourth official visit to Australia, and their first since His Majesty The King’s ascension to the Danish throne.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“It is an honour to welcome Their Majesties The King and Queen of Denmark back to Australia.

“It is wonderful that the visit includes many parts of our great country, from the Northern Territory to Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and of course Tasmania.

“Denmark and Australia are great friends, and together we are working to build a more sustainable, secure and peaceful future.

“This visit is an opportunity to deepen our cooperation across a number of shared interests such as sustainability, renewable energy and innovation.

“Their Majesties The King and Queen of Denmark have a very special connection with Australia, and I know Australians will welcome them.”

Appeal following suspicious fire – Wickham

Police are appealing for information from the public following a suspicious fire near Newcastle last week.

Just after midnight (Friday 23 January 2026), emergency services were called to a business on Albert Street, Wickham, after reports of smoke coming from the building.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and found a fire burning on the ground floor before extinguishing the blaze. Smoke and water damage was occasioned to the ground floor.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene, which was forensically examined.

Newcastle detectives have commenced inquiries into the incident under Strike Force Halesworth, which is being treated as suspicious and thought related to another similar incident on the night of the 20/1/26.

As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV footage of two men, and a small, light-coloured vehicle seen in the area about the time of fire. Police are appealing to members of the public if they saw anyone acting suspiciously last Friday night, or have dashcam footage, to contact police.

The first male is described as medium height and build, wearing long pants, a hooded jumper and joggers.

The second male is described as medium to thin build, wearing long pants, hooded jumper, socks and slides.

Government boosts response to drone threats

The Albanese Government is accelerating efforts to develop cutting-edge counter-drone technology, teaming with industry to drive innovation, while also updating Defence regulations to keep Australians safe.

A new industry panel has been established to advise Defence and other Australian Government agencies on counter small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) services, enhancing Australia’s ability to detect, deter and respond to emerging drone threats.

The Albanese Government has also enacted the Defence Amendment (Counter-UXS Measures) Regulations 2025 to strengthen our national security by protecting ADF personnel, assets and facilities.

The amended Regulations give authority for Defence, in support of our law enforcement agencies, to detect and disable or destroy drones that are suspected of posing a threat to Australian Defence Force (ADF) assets and establishments.

Defence maintains a range of capabilities to engage with hostile drone technology, with the amendments set to better enable our capabilities to be employed in Australia where it is safe and reasonable to do so.

The Defence Project Land 156 Standing Offer Panel will support Defence and other Australian Government agencies in safeguarding critical infrastructure and operations within Australia.

The initiative represents a significant opportunity for industry to contribute to national security by competing for a diverse range of work across multiple Government agencies.

The first 28 companies selected to the Panel are:

  • Advanced Design Technology Pty Ltd
  • Anduril Australia Pty Ltd
  • Australian Systems Research Pty Ltd Trading as ASR Defence
  • Axon Public Safety Pty Ltd
  • Beca Pty Ltd
  • Codarra Advanced Systems Pty Ltd
  • Cubic Defence Australia Pty Ltd
  • DEWC Services Pty Ltd
  • Droneshield Group Pty Ltd
  • EPE OCEANIA Pty Ltd Trading as Explosive Protective Equipment (EPE)
  • HENSOLDT Australia Pty Ltd
  • HighCom Technology Pty Ltd
  • Insitec Pty Ltd
  • Integrated Frontline Services Pty Ltd
  • JVAT Solutions Pty Ltd
  • Leidos Australia Pty Ltd
  • Key Options Pty Ltd
  • L3HARRIS Space and Airborne Systems Australia Pty Ltd
  • NOVA Systems Pty Ltd
  • Protegas Australia Pty Ltd
  • QINETIQ Pty Ltd
  • Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd
  • SAAB Australia Pty Ltd
  • SME Gateway Pty Ltd
  • Solinnov Pty Ltd
  • SYPAQ Systems Pty Ltd
  • Systems Planning and Analysis Australia Pty Ltd
  • SYSTRA ANZ Pty Ltd

Additional suppliers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping Australia safe, and that’s why the Australian Government is ensuring that Defence and other Government agencies will have access to the best technology.

“This panel will help us to stay ahead of rapidly evolving drone and counter-drone technology.

“It will build on the contracts already announced as part of Land 156 to address the increasing threat of drones in modern warfare and will enhance Australia’s capacity to respond to emerging drone threats.”

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“Drones are swiftly becoming a tool of choice for malicious actors across the globe. These regulations will better enable ADF personnel here at home to protect themselves, their assets and the bases in which they operate, which is critical to ensuring we maintain a ready and deployable Defence Force.

“Australia already has sophisticated capabilities to detect and counter drones. The Defence Amendment Regulations will ensure those tools can be used safely and responsibly, so we can respond quickly to threats and keep our communities safe.

A new age of airspace authority begins at Tindal

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will today officially open the new MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, marking a major milestone for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and delivering a significant boost to Australia’s air and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Delivered under the $355.7 million Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Facilities Project, RAAF Base Tindal will serve as the home of the Royal Australian Air Force’s MQ-4C Triton aircraft.

The aircraft will be launched at Tindal and flown by Air Force pilots from a ground station at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. The remotely piloted aircraft system allows the Triton to operate at higher altitudes and remain airborne for longer periods than a traditional piloted aircraft, providing persistent surveillance across Australia’s maritime approaches. 

Designed by BVN and constructed by Sitzler Pty Ltd, the project commenced in May 2023 and includes a purpose-built hangar, working accommodation, upgraded airfield pavements and supporting infrastructure to enable sustained Triton operations.

The new facilities strengthen Defence’s Cooperative Program with the United States Navy and support the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which prioritises enhancing northern bases and investing in uncrewed systems to expand Australia’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across the air and space domains.

Since 2022, the Albanese Government has invested over $2.8 billion in strengthening the ADF’s presence across Northern Australia, with 43 projects either completed or underway. Over $166 million in contracts for the Triton facilities project were awarded to Northern Territory businesses, including $7.5 million to Indigenous subcontractors, delivering a significant economic contribution to the region.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“The completion of these facilities at Tindal is a critical step in strengthening our northern defence capability and is yet another example of our commitment to deliver the priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.”

“This suite of new infrastructure will enable the ADF to operate advanced uncrewed aircraft from Australia’s north, enhancing persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance along our maritime boarders and across the broader region.”

“The project also deepens Australia’s Cooperative Program with the US Navy, by ensuring our forces can operate seamlessly together in support of regional stability.”

“Investing in critical infrastructure and advanced capabilities across our northern bases is critical to ensuring Australia is ready to face whatever challenges arise in the future.”

Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:

“This project has delivered real benefits for the Territory, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and building skills that will continue to benefit the region well into the future.

“Working closely with local industry and Indigenous contractors has been central to this project, ensuring the investment strengthens not only Defence capability but also the local economy.

“RAAF Base Tindal is a valued part of the local community, and these new facilities will support the men and women who live and work here as they carry out their vital role.”

Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs & Northern Australia, Luke Gosling:

“The completion of the MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal reflects the Northern Territory’s central role in Australia’s national security. It recognises the work of our Defence personnel, the importance of our northern bases, and the strength of our local Defence industry in keeping Australians safe.

“This investment gives the ADF a powerful new capability to see further, stay airborne longer and maintain constant situational awareness. It will significantly strengthen our maritime surveillance and ensure Australia is better prepared to respond to emerging security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.”