Official sod-turning on HMAS Watson redevelopment

Work has started on the $430.5 million HMAS Watson redevelopment with an official sod-turning event at the base today.

FILE PHOTO: An aerial view of Royal Australian Navy establishment HMAS Watson, Sydney. Photo by Able Seaman Leo Baumgartner.

The project includes the construction of a new training precinct and new live-in accommodation for 236 trainees.

A new medical clinic will also be built, and much-needed upgrades to the existing water, electrical, and communication services will be completed.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the redevelopment of HMAS Watson would ensure the base continued to support critical Navy training for up to 1300 students each year

“The enhancement of the Royal Australian Navy’s capabilities and expansion of the maritime force outlined in the 2020 Force Structure Plan underlines the importance of HMAS Watson,” Minister Price said.

“The base is essential to the sustainment of the current and future force, and requires an appropriate investment in its facilities and infrastructure.”

HMAS Watson redevelopment works will be staged to ensure Navy training can continue throughout the construction period.

They are scheduled for completion by early 2027.

Defence is engaging with the local community by providing timely and regular updates on work activities, planned construction vehicle movements and potential disruptions through the HMAS Watson Redevelopment public website.

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