Downer delivers major upgrades at RAAF Base Williamtown

10/12/2024

Major upgrades of RAAF Base Williamtown are now complete, supporting Australia’s Defence air power capabilities and delivering a boost to tourism in the NSW Hunter Region.

Commencing in December 2020, Downer delivered major aircraft pavement reconstruction; stormwater drainage and aeronautical ground lighting (AGL) runway upgrade works and the construction and installation of two aircraft arrestor systems.

The $180m project forms part of the Department of Defence’s National Airfield Program, delivered by Security and Estate Group on behalf of the Royal Australian Air Force. The Program sees critical works necessary to maintain full operational effectiveness of Defence airfields undertaken across the country. 

The upgrades will allow larger Defence aircraft to take off and land at RAAF Base Williamtown, while upgrades of the runway and taxiway network will also accommodate larger Code E aircraft (Airbus A330, A350, Boeing 777 and 787) at Newcastle Airport, supporting civilian travel. 

Jamie Flood, General Manager, Defence Major Projects at Downer says, “Downer was privileged to be involved in this project from the outset, providing construction advice to the Commonwealth during the planning stages, to subsequently delivering these important upgrades.

“The works required significant coordination with the military and civilian airfield operators to ensure that there were minimal disruptions to aircraft operations.

“We’re pleased to have successfully delivered another major project to support Defence capability, delivering outcomes to help safeguard Australia’s future.”

During the RAAF Williamtown upgrade:

• 213,000 tonnes of asphalt placed
• 112km of airfield ground lighting primary cabling installed
• 426-night shifts on a closed airfield with nil impact on daily base operations
• 771,251 hours worked with 220 people on site per day during the peak of construction
• 4.7% of the work was completed by indigenous owned businesses
• 85% of Project was delivered by local contractors and suppliers.