Billion$ for Henderson upgrade
The government will provide $12 billion towards delivering a Defence Precinct at Henderson to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and AUKUS facilities in Western Australia.
FILE PHOTO: Henderson, Western Australia. Supplied by Ventia.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said today’s announcement of new money was a significant downpayment for the Defence precinct, with early independent planning and advice indicating the Henderson Precinct will require investment in the order of $25 billion over the decade.
“This early commitment of funding will provide certainty to industry who will partner on the construction of infrastructure and facilities and will also kick-start early works while more detailed planning and design work for Henderson are finalised,” Mr Marles said.
This initial investment will underpin the delivery of:
- the construction of surface vessels for the Australian Defence Force, starting with Army’s landing craft and, pending successful consolidation, the domestic-build element of Australia’s future general purpose frigates;
- facilities to support the sustainment of Australia’s surface combatant vessels;
- contingency docking capabilities for Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine fleet from the early 2030s; and,
- depot-level maintenance, including graving docks.
Mr Marles said progressing these capabilities was critical for Australia’s delivery of the AUKUS pathway and ensure Australia will be ready to receive its first Virginia-class submarine in the early 2030s.
“This commitment builds on the government’s initial $127 million commitment to progress planning for the Defence Precinct.
“Additional funding requirements will be considered once detailed design works are finalised and as delivery models, including the opportunity for private financing models, are determined.
“In partnership with the Western Australian government, and in line with the Commonwealth State Cooperation Agreement, we will continue to work together on transition arrangements and certainty for current and future users of Henderson.”
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