Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and Liberal candidate for Whitlam Mike Cains are advocating to make Port Kembla Australia’s new eastern submarine base.
The new state-of-the-art submarine base offers plenty of advantages for Australia’s defence, as a strategic deep-water port - but just as important are the opportunities it will create for local industry and businesses.
Mike Cains said the new base would create thousands of jobs and put billions of dollars into the local economy.
“We are an incredibly capable region, with great industrial heritage and innovative businesses, and the new naval base will help to keep critical skills here and encourage local kids to develop important 21st century skills,” said Mr Cains.
“Having the base in Wollongong would give it access to the assets and know-how at HMAS Albatross at Nowra and at facilities at Jervis Bay. In addition to connecting with the existing defence facilities, the new base would be able to take advantage of the University of Wollongong innovation credentials.”
“This new base will be able to make an immeasurable contribution to our future by delivering advanced manufacturing jobs, helping to develop skills and growing our economy, just as our region is poised to grow – and we will be putting a strong case for our region to the Defence Minister.”
Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who has been advocating for a naval base at Port Kembla since 2015, said that the Morrison Government is committed to maximising local industry involvement in the construction of our nuclear-powered submarine capability and ensuring that critical skills are retained in the ship building sector.
“As was clearly indicated by the Government at the time of the AUKUS announcement, the subs will not require refuelling, and hence, there will be no need for a reactor and furthermore, modern technology means that safely operating and sustaining these submarines does not require the establishment of an Australian civil nuclear power industry. I am sure these factors will put local community minds at ease,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.
“The Commonwealth will now write formally to the NSW and Queensland Governments to seek their engagement with feasibility activity, including formal community engagement,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.
“The Department of Defence will engage with the NSW and Queensland governments to determine the optimal site. A decision on the new base will be made as soon as possible after such engagement,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.