The site plan identifies preferred locations for naval construction, fleet maintenance and submarine sustainment. The governments described the decision as an important step in delivering Australia’s commitments under AUKUS.
The precinct will also support construction of the Royal Australian Navy’s future general-purpose frigates and the Australian Army’s landing craft. These programmes form part of plans for continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in Western Australia.
Federal investment in shipbuilding, AUKUS and related infrastructure is expected to support around 10,000 direct jobs in the state over the next two decades. The project is also intended to create opportunities for local manufacturers and other companies across the defence supply chain.
“This is great for Western Australia and great for local jobs,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “AUKUS is full steam ahead and we are proud to deliver this milestone today alongside our partner, the Cook Government.”
“The selection of the site for the Henderson Defence Precinct is a major step towards establishing a world-class sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment hub in Western Australia,” Defence Minister Richard Marles said. “This decision allows the next phase of planning and development of the precinct to progress at pace, so we can deliver the infrastructure needed to support continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in the West, and develop the capability to own, operate and sustain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.”
The programme will now move into concept design, with further work involving federal and state authorities, industry, technical specialists and other stakeholders. The site was chosen after technical analysis and consultations with workers, traditional owners and local community groups.
“My vision is for Western Australia to become the largest naval maintenance and shipbuilding hub in the southern hemisphere,” Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said. “Over the next decade, defence is set to become Western Australia’s second largest industry, helping us remain the strongest economy in the nation and the best place in the world to get a quality job.”
