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A consolidated Commonwealth-owned Defence precinct will be established at Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.
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The Defence precinct will support the build of new landing craft for the Australian Army and new general purpose frigates for the Navy announced by the federal government, with requisite large vessel infrastructure to form part of the precinct, according to a statement published on 16 October.
The Defence precinct at Henderson will also be the home of depot-level maintenance and contingency docking for Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
The new capabilities are considered vital to transforming the Australian Defence Force’s ability to meet Australia’s complex strategic circumstances.
The precinct is understood to underpin tens of billions of dollars of investment in defence capabilities in WA and represent support for around 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled local jobs.
“The Albanese government’s commitment to the Defence precinct at Henderson is a game changer for WA industry – it will create thousands of jobs for West Australians and underpin billions of dollars of investment in defence capability in the West,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“Henderson already plays a critical role in the delivery and sustainment of Australian Defence Force capabilities and this will see the important role of WA industry grow further.”
To deliver the long-term program, the federal and WA state governments have signed a cooperation agreement, which provides a foundation for collaboration to deliver the Defence precinct and related activities. This will include:
- Developing a dedicated joint forum to deliver the skilled workforce required to deliver and sustain critical Defence capabilities.
- Establishing the necessary infrastructure, including common user facilities, to support industry across the Defence precinct at Henderson.
- Ensuring effective engagement across federal, state and local governments and communities.
The federal government will make an initial investment of $127 million over three years to progress planning, consultations, preliminary design and feasibility studies as well as enabling works for the Defence precinct at Henderson.
This work will inform future decisions on delivery options and models for the Defence precinct at Henderson.
“This is a momentous announcement for Western Australia – one that will set up our state for an exciting future and puts us at the centre of the nation’s defence capability,” WA Premier Roger Cook said.
“The new Defence precinct at Henderson will deliver tens of billions of dollars in investment and thousands of local jobs.
“This massive investment delivers on my government’s mission to develop and diversify our state’s economy by providing another economic pathway for our state for decades to follow.
“It is a win-win for Western Australia and the nation.”
The announcement also represents a major milestone on the AUKUS pathway as Australia develops the capability to safely and securely own, operate and sustain conventionally armed, nuclear‑powered submarines.
Submarine maintenance capabilities will be established at Henderson in accordance with domestic processes and regulatory requirements, and consistent with Australia’s international obligations to maintaining the highest standards for nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
Contingency and depot-level maintenance is expected to create around 3,000 jobs in Western Australia. The announcement also supports delivery of continuous naval shipbuilding in the West, and the establishment and operation of Submarine Rotational Force - West at HMAS Stirling.
Coupled with the $8 billion the federal government has already committed to expand HMAS Stirling, these investments and capability programs in Western Australia will be worth tens of billions of dollars over the next two decades.
“Successful consolidation of the Henderson precinct will secure decades of continuous shipbuilding in Western Australia, providing generational benefits for locals who play a vital role in keeping Australia safe,” Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said.
“This investment by the Albanese government will not only create thousands of high-skilled and well-paid jobs in Western Australia but also ensures a future made in Australia.”
