The Australian government is set to establish a consolidated Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct at Western Australia’s Henderson shipyard, a decision that will drive continuous naval shipbuilding and nuclear submarine maintenance in the region. This strategic move is anticipated to generate approximately 10,000 well-paid, highly skilled local jobs, contributing to both economic and defence sector growth in Western Australia.
The initial phase of the project will see the government invest $127 million over the next three years. This funding will support various stages of development, including planning, consultations, preliminary design, feasibility studies, and the execution of enabling works. These steps are vital in laying the groundwork for the Defence Precinct at Henderson, which will play a key role in the country’s naval defense infrastructure.
This initiative builds on the government’s previous announcement regarding a strategic partnership between the Department of Defense and shipbuilder Austal, based in Henderson. The partnership has already signaled a strong commitment to shipbuilding in the region, and this latest development reinforces the government’s broader defense strategy.
The creation of the Defence Precinct is also seen as a significant milestone in Australia’s AUKUS pathway, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As part of this agreement, Australia is working to develop its capabilities to own, operate, and maintain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines safely and securely. The development of the Henderson Precinct is a crucial step toward achieving this goal, enhancing Australia’s defense capabilities in alignment with its AUKUS commitments.
A notable feature of the proposed Defence Precinct is its common user facilities, which will be accessible to multiple companies. The initial studies and assessments will provide valuable insights to guide future decisions about the construction and operation of the precinct. This inclusive approach aims to foster collaboration across the defense sector and boost innovation in naval shipbuilding and maintenance.
One of the key roles of the Defense Precinct will be to support shipbuilding projects, including the construction of new landing craft for the Australian Army and general-purpose frigates for the Navy. The necessary infrastructure for large vessels will be an integral part of the precinct, ensuring it can accommodate a range of naval projects. These large-scale undertakings underscore the importance of the Henderson shipyard as a critical defense asset for Australia.
The Defence Minister for Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, emphasized the long-term benefits of consolidating the Henderson precinct. He highlighted that the successful implementation of this project would secure decades of continuous shipbuilding in Western Australia, bringing generational benefits to the local community. In addition to creating thousands of highly skilled jobs, the investment is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Australia’s defense readiness.
Conroy also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a robust local defense industry, pointing out that this investment by the Albanese government aligns with the broader goal of fostering a self-reliant defense sector. By investing in local capabilities, the government aims to build a future “made in Australia,” strengthening the nation’s ability to respond to security challenges.
An essential component of the new Defence Precinct will be its role as the hub for depot-level maintenance and contingency docking for Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. This aspect of the project is expected to create approximately 3,000 jobs, further boosting the employment market in Western Australia and ensuring the region becomes a center of excellence in submarine maintenance.
In addition to the establishment of the Defence Precinct, the government has previously committed $8 billion to expand the HMAS Stirling naval base, located south of Perth. This significant investment is part of the broader strategy to enhance Australia’s defense infrastructure, particularly in Western Australia, which is increasingly becoming a focal point for naval operations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hailed the Henderson Defence Precinct as a “game changer” for the Western Australian defense industry. He stated that the precinct would not only create thousands of jobs but also support billions of dollars in defense investments. According to Albanese, Henderson has already been playing a pivotal role in supporting the Australian Defence Force’s capabilities, and the new precinct will allow Western Australia’s defense industry to further grow its influence and importance on the national stage.
With this new investment, the Henderson Defence Precinct is poised to be a cornerstone of Australia’s defense strategy, driving job creation, industry development, and enhanced naval capabilities for decades to come.
