The first cohort of more than 1,300 military personnel from Australia and partner nations will soon descend on the Northern Territory’s newest defence accommodation hub, following the signing of a deal between the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory Governments to establish the Defence Accommodation Precinct Darwin at Howard Springs.
The agreement enables the Department of Defence to use the Howard Springs facility as an accommodation precinct from July 2023.
The first military personnel will arrive at the facility later this month to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre.
The NT Government says the facility will relieve pressure on limited on-base Defence accommodation in Darwin and ensure Defence requirements do not place excessive demand on local hotel accommodation during major exercises scheduled during the peak season.
The five-year lease arrangement between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory is estimated to cost approximately $50 million per year.
The estimated annual cost covers all expenses in operating and maintaining the facility, including: lease payments to the Northern Territory Government, catering, hospitality and cleaning services, utilities, transport, security and waste disposal.
