New details about the Henderson Defence Precinct, confirming non-defence businesses will retain access once AUKUS work is underway, have given WA industry much-needed certainty.
The State and Federal Governments this week revealed the next stage of planning for the precinct, including a separate common user facility for non-defence industries such as mining and energy.
The proposed layout also identified preferred areas for naval shipbuilding and sustainment, as well as the sustainment of Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
“This decision allows the next phase of planning and development of the precinct to progress at pace, so we can deliver the infrastructure needed to support continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in the West, and develop the capability to own, operate and sustain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines,” Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
Images: Defence
Businesses gain more planning certainty
CCIWA CEO Will Golsby said the announcement provided businesses who operate in the area confidence for future planning.
“The Henderson precinct is a key piece in WA’s plan to diversify our economy, and will bring jobs and opportunities to Perth’s south,” he said.
“We are ready to work with the Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance, Henderson Alliance, AIDN-WA and our Members within the Henderson precinct to identify opportunities, raise concerns and streamline works.
“We hope that further certainty around work packages, funding and timelines will be provided to industry within the next three months.”
Defence investment to support 10,000 jobs
L-R: National Armaments Director Nadine Williams, WA Premier Roger Cook, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Australian Defence Force Chief Admiral Mark Hammond at Henderson Defence Precinct.
The precinct is underpinned by an initial $12 billion investment from the Federal Government, which also intends to spend a further $70b over the next decade developing the nation’s defence capabilities.
Over the next two decades, WA’s defence industry will support about 10,000 direct jobs.
WA Premier Roger Cook’s “vision” is for the State to become the largest naval maintenance hub in the southern hemisphere.
“Over the next decade, defence is set to become Western Australia’s second largest industry, helping us remain the strongest economy in the nation and the best place in the world to get a quality job,” he said.
Planning for the Henderson Defence Precinct will now move to the concept design stage, with governments, industry, planners and other stakeholders to be consulted.
Need support entering WA’s defence industry?
CCIWA’s Industry Capability Network WA can help your business access live defence-related opportunities.
Contact the ICNWA team on 08 9365 7623 or by email at [email protected].
