Media Release

Work began in Darwin yesterday (6/4) on a new $4.9 million, state-of-the art communication network for all Defence establishments in the Top End.

Known as Project Northern Exposure, the new system will provide a secure Geographic Area Network (GAN) linking a total of 29 establishments and headquarters ranging from Broome in the west to Nhulunbuy in the east and as far south as Alice Springs.

"Project Northern Exposure aims to bring Defence throughout the Northern Region a secure, comprehensive region wide computer network with full Email and Internet connectivity," said the Manager Defence Information Systems – Northern Region, Lieutenant colonel Wayne Wilson.

"The Project will roll out a standard suite of Y2K compliant applications software which will bring all users up to date with the latest releases."

LTCOL Wilson said Project Northern Exposure is being implemented in tandem with Defence's Project DIARY (Defence Information Architecture Remediation for Year 2000) which is also replacing all non-Y2K compliant PCs and peripherals in the region.

He said project management and implementation involves the innovative approach of teaming Defence Information Systems Group personnel (both Canberra and regional based staff) with Australian industry using the latest concurrent engineering principles to minimise schedule and maximise benefit to Defence.

"Australian commercial involvement is through the prime contractor, CSC Australia," he said, "which is teaming with local Northern Region information technology companies such as Computer Support and Maintenance (NT) Pty Ltd."

LTCOL Wilson said completion of Project Northern Exposure in July will provide Defence organisations in the Northern Region with one of the most modern, comprehensive, Y2K compliant and robust computer networks in the world.

Headquarters Northern Command: (08) 8935 4430

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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