Defence Infrastructure – Alternative Finance Market Sounding

Defence is currently assessing potential Alternative Finance delivery opportunities across a number of major infrastructure projects as part of implementing the Government's direction under the National Defence Strategy (NDS) 2026.
This Notice is intended to inform industry of Defence infrastructure projects currently being considered for potential Alternative Finance delivery approaches and to provide early visibility of future opportunities that may emerge as Defence progresses its assessment activities. Defence is not soliciting proposals at this stage of planning. The publication of this Notice does not represent a commitment by the Commonwealth to proceed with any procurement activity, Alternative Finance delivery model or project outcome.
Defence – Alternative Finance
The NDS 26 acknowledges the need to leverage all forms of investment and financing to deliver defence capability at the scale and pace required.
The Government has identified approximately $5 billion over the forward estimates and $15 billion over the decade in projects for which Defence will prioritise developing alternative financing delivery options as part of the additional investment in NDS 26.
Alternative financing, where appropriate and feasible, can present advantages in delivery models, accessing private sector expertise and supporting the sovereign defence industrial base while maintaining responsible budget management. Partnering with the private sector can help manage and balance large upfront capital outlays and better align delivery milestones, performance outcomes and asset utilisation.
Defence Infrastructure Alternative Finance Project Opportunities
The Defence infrastructure Projects under consideration for alternative financing delivery models include:
LAND8710PH5 Littoral Manoeuvre Facilities

LAND8710PH5 aims to deliver the facilities required to meet the Littoral Manoeuvre capability requirements in locations including southeast Queensland (SEQ), northern Queensland (NQ) and the Northern Territory (NT).
The project scope includes delivery of maritime facilities (including, berthing, mooring and vessel loading / unloading) and landside facilities (including office accommodation, living-in accommodation, homeporting facilities, training facilities and other base support functions) in each location.

EST02060 Garden Island Defence Precinct (GIDP) Project

The GIDP Project includes modernisation and remediation of critical infrastructure, expansion of working accommodation to support projected workforce growth and redevelopment of outdated facilities at GIDP in Sydney.
The project scope includes upgrades to the Captain Cook Graving Dock (CCGD), refurbishment and new build working accommodation, remediation and modernisation of workshops, upgrade of quality of life facilities and supporting site infrastructure.

ESTJP2092PH1 Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Storage Program of Works – WA Deep Storage

The GWEO WA Deep Storage project will support the Australian Defence Force’s growing guided weapons and explosive ordnance inventory. The project will be delivered in the Perth region but a preferred location has not yet been identified.
The project scope includes approximately 10 earth covered buildings (ECBs), an ammunition processing building and site supporting works.

ESTW6 RAAF Base Learmonth

EST W6 RAAF Learmonth Project will look to enhance base-wide resilience and upgrade supporting base facilities to ensure support to capability including in times of significant surge to operational capability.
The EST W6 RAAF Learmonth Project will follow projects currently in delivery to enhance the base’s role as a Forward Operating Base and logistics hub for operations. The base will enable the generation and sustainment of airpower into the near region.
The project is in the early stages of planning with scope yet to be determined.

ESTJP8218 Theatre Logistics Alice Springs and Central Queensland (noting this Project has released a separate notice on AusTender: RFI/2026/ASCQ).

JP8218 will establish an enhanced and resilient logistics network improving the capacity, responsiveness, and overall posture of the Defence Logistics Network in the Alice Springs and Central Queensland regions.
The project scope includes logistics infrastructure (including hardstand, road networks, freight access and security), support facilities (temporary workforce accommodation and site services) and developable land.

Notice

The Commonwealth wishes to inform the market that, future procurements may be undertaken in relation to these Projects, However, this Notice does not represent or imply any commitment to undertake a procurement process. The Commonwealth makes no representation or undertaking that it will proceed to procure or deliver any aspect of the Projects, or that any future approach to market will align with the background described in this Notice or involve alternative finance delivery.