The Australian government will outlay $875 million (US$655.6 million) to upgrade 234 defence facilities across the country. Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the program would also be an economic boon for regional communities. “The defence estate is an important national asset and is an integral part of enabling defence to meet its force capabilities,” he said in comments obtained by AAP. “Just weeks ago, we announced our plans to grow the size of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) across all the Army, Royal Australian Navy, and Air Force, and we know that if we are to attract additional personnel, we need to ensure our facilities are safe and fit for purpose,” he added. The money will be spent from 2022-23 and is earmarked to create around 1,600 jobs. On March 10, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Dutton, announced the biggest expansion to the ADF in 40 years by increasing personnel …