HMAS Perth is one of the RAN ships that frequently dock in WA. Photo: RAN.
The Western Australian Government has welcomed a federal funding injection of $30 million for the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson. The money is earmarked for common-use infrastructure.
The investment means existing industries have greater capacity and confidence in delivering their commitments in shipbuilding, an industry that underpins about 10,000 jobs.
“This announcement reflects the strong partnership between my government and the Commonwealth, with $30 million committed initially to support vital infrastructure at the Australian Marine Complex,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“My government will continue working to ensure this investment delivers lasting benefits for our workforce, our economy, and Australia’s national security.”
The federal investment comes as domestic shipbuilder Austal Defence Australia was confirmed to begin construction of the Australian Army’s landing craft under the Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) Program at the Australian Marine Complex.
The project, valued at $4 billion, is a vital component of the state’s naval shipbuilding and sustainment pipeline, diversifying the Australian economy and providing business opportunities locally.
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia said: “This investment supports Australia’s sovereign defence capability by ensuring key naval assets are built and sustained in Western Australia.
“The AMC is central to that effort, and this funding ensures it can continue to support shipbuilding while accommodating future growth across the precinct.”
Western Australia plays a significant role in naval defence, both in industrial capacity and in the stationing of ships.
The Cook Government said it was committed to adopting decarbonisation and economic diversification to ensure both the defence and non-defence industries could use the AMC Common User Facility during the construction of the Henderson Defence Precinct under the 2024 agreement.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said: “This investment marks a major step forward for Western Australia, underpinning thousands of jobs and reinforcing our state’s growing leadership in sovereign shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing.
“AMC has already created more than 50,000 jobs and contributed more than $3 billion to the WA economy over its lifetime, and today’s announcement will only continue to build on this.”
