WHAT defence minister Richard Marles describes as a $12 billion down payment has been made towards the delivery of a Defence Precinct in Cockburn Sound, south of Perth.
The Defence Precinct at Henderson will enable continuous naval shipbuilding and provide a home for AUKUS in Western Australia. It is expected to cost around $25 billion over the decade.
A federal government media release issued on 14 September said the 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.
It will provide facilities to support the sustainment of Australia's surface combatant vessels and will have contingency docking capabilities for Australia's future conventionally-armed, nuclear powered submarine fleet from the early 2030s.
The funding will provide depot-level maintenance, including graving docks.
“Progressing these capabilities will be critical for Australia's delivery of the AUKUS pathway and ensure Australia is ready to receive its first Virginia class submarine in the early 2030s,” the release said.
“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.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in Perth for the announcement, said the precinct will create more than 10,000 local jobs and strong opportunities for local industry.