An opportunity for Northern Territory businesses to explore partnerships and contribute to future Defence logistics capability in Central Australia.

The Australian Department of Defence has released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry input on the potential establishment of scalable logistics facilities in the Alice Springs and Central Queensland regions.

The market sounding seeks information on suitable land, existing facilities and alternative financing and delivery solutions. Defence has indicated that the capability may require access to approximately 250 hectares of developable land and associated logistics infrastructure, with separate land parcels also considered.

Defence is interested in flexible, cost-effective and operationally ready solutions that can accommodate varying levels of activity and provide capacity for future expansion. This includes land near major transport infrastructure, such as rail, airports and major roads, or sites suitable for logistics operations.

At a glance

An opportunity for the NT

The Alice Springs logistics node aligns with the Northern Territory Defence Strategy 2026's priority to strengthen Northern Theatre Logistics in support Australia's defence capability.

For Territory businesses, the RFI provides an opportunity to explore how existing assets, local knowledge and industry capability could contribute to Defence's future requirements.

What Defence is looking for

The node is described as a deployable logistics facility supporting force sustainment and distribution. The emphasis is on civil and horizontal infrastructure rather than buildings. That means:

• Scalable hardstand and internal roads
• Perimeter fencing and permanent security
• Access for B-doubles and road trains, including a second road connection
• Water, wastewater, stormwater, power and communications
• Nearby bulk and retail fuel
• Temporary workforce accommodation, with ablutions, messing and power for extended periods of activity

How can you respond

Defence has kept the delivery model open. Respondents can address one or more of these pathways:

1. Land sale: a landowner offers a site that meets, or could meet, the requirement.

2. Agreement for lease: a private party secures the land, finances and builds the facility, then leases it to Defence.

3. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) style delivery: a consortium designs, builds and finances the facility on Commonwealth or Defence land, and may maintain it over the contract term.

4. Direct lease of an existing facility: an owner or operator offers a commercial facility that meets all or part of the need.

Who should get involved

Businesses that may have relevant capabilities include:

• Owners of large industrial or developable land
• Developers, investors and long-term capital providers
• Logistics, freight, warehouse and facility operators
• Civil and building contractors
• Suppliers of fuel, utilities, security and workforce accommodation
• Planning, environmental and transport advisers

Next steps: start the conversation

Businesses are encouraged to review the RFI, identify where their capabilities could contribute and explore potential partnerships.

For smaller businesses, this may mean connecting with landowners, developers, operators or financiers to understand how their expertise could complement a broader solution.

This is an early market-sounding exercise to inform Defence's planning. It is not a formal tender or a commitment to proceed with a particular delivery model.

Need help: contact DefenceNT team through defenceNT@nt.gov.au