Defence shipbuilding hits milestone with new precinct

The Federal and State Governments have taken a significant step towards enhancing Western Australia’s defence capabilities. They have announced the establishment of a dedicated Defence Precinct at the Henderson Shipyard. This initiative aims to bolster the region’s shipbuilding and maintenance capabilities, marking one of the largest defence developments in recent years. Government officials gathered to unveil plans for this Commonwealth-owned precinct, which is expected to transform Western Australia into a defence powerhouse.

A Major Investment in Defence Infrastructure

During the announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of this investment. He stated that it represents the most consequential defence investment in Western Australia in nearly four decades. The new precinct builds on a previously established strategic partnership between the Department of Defence and Austal Limited, a shipbuilding company based in Henderson. This partnership is a crucial step towards ensuring continuous naval shipbuilding in the region.

The Henderson Defence Precinct will feature a range of advanced facilities and capabilities. These include a naval shipbuilding and sustainment facility, a sustainment facility for Collins Class submarines, and contingency maintenance docking capabilities. Additionally, the precinct will house a waterfront production facility and depot-level maintenance docking capabilities. This comprehensive infrastructure is designed to support the construction and maintenance of various naval vessels, including landing craft for the Australian Army and general-purpose frigates for the Navy.

WA Minister for Defence Industry, Paul Papalia, highlighted the potential of this investment, stating that it will turn Western Australia into a defence powerhouse. The commitment of tens of billions of dollars will not only enhance the region’s shipbuilding capabilities but also create thousands of jobs in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance. This development is expected to have a lasting impact on the local economy, diversifying it and providing high-end manufacturing opportunities for residents.

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Future Capabilities and Job Creation

The Henderson Defence Precinct is set to play a pivotal role in supporting Australia’s future defence capabilities. Marles noted that the precinct will focus on building general-purpose frigates and landing craft. This commitment to advanced manufacturing will create high-paying jobs and reduce reliance on fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work arrangements. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh, emphasized the importance of this development for local manufacturers, stating that it will foster complexity in the economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities.

Moreover, the precinct will contribute to the sustainment of Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Marles described this aspect as critical to the AUKUS agreement, which aims to enhance Australia’s defence capabilities. The maintenance of future submarines and the surface fleet, including the HMAS Stirling, will take place at the Henderson site. This will require the establishment of dry docks to accommodate the maintenance needs of both submarines and surface vessels.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook projected that the Defence Precinct would create approximately 10,000 jobs across various sectors. This includes around 3,500 jobs at HMAS Stirling, 1,000 construction jobs at Henderson, and additional positions for depot-level maintenance and surface fleet operations. The investment in the precinct is not only about enhancing defence capabilities but also about securing a prosperous future for the local workforce.

Cooperation Agreement for Successful Delivery

Following the announcement, the Federal and State governments signed a Cooperation Agreement to ensure the successful delivery of the Henderson Defence Precinct. This agreement lays the groundwork for collaboration among various stakeholders, including Federal, State, and Local governments, as well as communities. It aims to establish a joint forum to develop the required workforce and infrastructure for the precinct.

The Federal Government has committed an initial investment of $127 million over three years to kickstart the planning, consultation, and design of the new precinct. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to delivering a robust defence infrastructure that meets the needs of the nation. As Cook stated, this initiative is a win-win for both Western Australia and the country as a whole.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Henderson Defence Precinct marks a significant milestone in Australia’s defence strategy. It promises to enhance the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities while creating thousands of jobs and fostering economic growth in Western Australia. The collaborative efforts of the Federal and State governments, along with industry partners, will be crucial in realizing the full potential of this ambitious project.