Delivering Base Services Transformation Program for the Australian Department of Defence

The Australian Department of Defence has appointed Mott MacDonald as a project delivery services (PDS) contractor under the Base Services Transformation Program (BSTP).

The BSTP aims to modernise and streamline the delivery of base services to personnel across the Defence estate through the sustainment of living, working, and training environments. Industry partners delivering base services play a vital role in ensuring the estate is sustained to meet the demands of the National Defence Strategy by providing bases and training areas that are safe, secure, and fit for purpose.

Mott MacDonald was selected for its proven global experience and deep domain knowledge in defence infrastructure across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The company will oversee and project manage the delivery of approved construction, maintenance, and consultancy projects through the Estate Works Program (EWP). This centrally coordinated approach ensures consistency across all sites and supports Defence’s environmental and digital transformation goals.

The Defence Estate is a critical combat enabler and must be equipped to meet operational and capability requirements, now and in the future. The new Base Services contracts are designed to flex with Australia’s changing strategic environment, adapting to changes in the estate, evolving operational contexts, and surging to support military exercises and responding to government priorities.

With bases located in many regional areas, this appointment will create jobs for local businesses, veterans, Australian Defence Force families, and Indigenous Australians. It also provides opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to contribute to upgrading and maintaining Defence facilities. Through the company’s Defence Industry Participation Plan, Mott MacDonald focuses on engaging and uplifting under-represented groups through targeted employment, training, and mentoring initiatives. The plan also simplifies access to Defence contracts by promoting transparency and reducing complexity in procurement.

“Our purpose is to use our expertise for the benefit of our clients and the communities they serve. Australia’s communities can only thrive if they are stable, secure, and safe. Defence plays a vital role in enabling these conditions, making it not just aligned with our purpose, but a critical enabler of it,” says Badelow.

This appointment marks a significant step in delivering a modern, resilient Defence estate that supports Australia’s strategic priorities and defends its national interests. Together, Defence and industry are delivering high-quality services that support Defence operations and strengthen Australia’s strategic readiness.