The AUKUS announcement. PHOTO: US GOVERNMENTWestern Australia’s logistics sector will be among the beneficiaries of the decision to base Australia’s first nuclear-powered submarines in the state.
Ministerial statements indicate that improvements to HMAS Stirling over the next 10 years will include upgrades to wharves, operational maintenance, logistics and training facilities, as well as opportunities for supporting infrastructure outside HMAS Stirling.
Additionally, 500 direct jobs will be created to sustain the Submarine Rotational Force (SRF-West) initiative over the period from 2027 to 2032.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says: "Through SRF-West, we are building the next-generation workforce that will not only operate our future submarines but steward them safely through their operational life."
WA Premier Mark McGowan, meanwhile, says: "Growing Western Australia's defence industry represents an enormous opportunity to diversify our economy and build the workforce of the future.”
Leaders of the US, UK and Australia this week agreed a program under which Australia will modernise its submarine fleet, including building craft locally in collaboration with Britain.