He said Sitzler was committed to awarding 98 percent of the 65 subcontracts to businesses in the Territory and northern Western Australia and to having 4 percent of the workforce Indigenous. 

“We will strongly encourage Indigenous employment among all contractors, whether or not they are Indigenous owned. That’s our standard practice.” 

Sitzler Director Michael Sitzler said: “This is a major achievement for the company and the Northern Territory. 

“It’s a challenging and exciting project. We’re confident that we can deliver.” 

NTTAR Project leader Mark Norris is putting together a team of Defence-approved subcontractors. 

“We’re looking forward to delivering this great project,” he said. 

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the investment was part of $15.6 billion the Federal Government is spending on Defence capital facilities and infrastructure across Australia over the next four years. 

She said the investment would flow to small and medium businesses and support local jobs. 

Construction works will start at Robertson Barracks Close Training Area and Bradshaw Field Training Area first, with staggered works at Kangaroo Flats Training Area and Mount Bundey Training Area to follow later in the program. 

“This investment will enhance the levels of integration between the Australian Defence Force and our partners, including the United States Marine Corps,” Ms Price said. 

Territory Senator Sam McMahon said the awarding of the contract to a Territory company was “great news”. 

“With the majority of the sub-contracting roles going to businesses in Northern Australia, this will be a tremendous boost to the Territory economy,” she said. 

Construction is expected to start this month and be finished in 2026.