During his visit to Honiara on 18 January, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, was pleased to advise Prime Minister Manele that the first stage of the Western Border Outpost has been delivered – a significant milestone for the security of the Western border area.
The Initial Operating Capability, delivered by Australia under the Defence Cooperation Program, provides whole-of-government office facilities where the RSIPF, Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity, and other border security agencies can operate.
The new facility was designed and delivered in only 10-months following Solomon Islands Government approval of the Environment Impact Assessment and directly created 43 jobs for the local workers.
Australia’s High Commissioner Rod Hilton said the Western Border Outpost, along with the Eastern Border Outpost in Temotu Province, remain among the highest priorities in Australia’s security partnership with Solomon Islands.
“The handover of the Initial Operating Capability is a significant milestone for Australia’s security support for Solomon Islands’ Western most border – with enhanced security comes social stability and economic prosperity,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
Australian Defence Advisor, Captain Emma Griffiths said Defence looked forward to the continued partnership and close engagement with the Solomon Islands Government to progress the next stages of the Western Border Outpost project, and broader initiatives in the Western Border Area.
“The Western Border Outpost is part of Defence’s ongoing commitment to security and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief infrastructure in Solomon Islands, which is worth almost SBD $1 billion in total,” Captain Griffiths said.
She highlighted the Defence Cooperation Program’s broader support to Solomon Islands border security capability in addition to the Western Border Outpost, including:
- Construction of the Eastern Border Outpost which commenced on 23 September 2024
- More than SBD $160 million announced for RSIPF Maritime Force in 2024, including:
- refurbished the Aola Wharf, extending the life for 30 years
- ongoing maintenance of Solomon Islands’ Guardian Class Patrol Vessels
- upgraded Maritime Headquarters infrastructure
- 6 new aluminium long boats which will be delivered in Q1 2025
- Replaced over 80% of the RSIPF small boat fleet with improved rayboats capable of 60 horsepower
- Delivered RSIPF Boats Facilities in Taro, Gizo, Auki and Tulagi
- Delivering RSIPF Boats Facilities in Buala and Kira-Kira to be complete by May 2025
- Delivered upgraded RSIPF Police Stations for Western Provincial Headquarters and Gizo
- Refurbishment of Taro Police Station will be complete by May 2025
- 71 number of new solar lights for Gizo and Shortland Island under the Community Security Lighting Project
- 9 Exercise Coastwatchers serials with 56 courses and more than 850 RSIPF receiving ADF training since December 2021, including:
- 16 boats handling courses delivered for 174 RSIPF officers
- 7 border surveillance courses delivered for 108 RSIPF officers
