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AUKUS Expands in Western Australia: Major Naval Hub to Boost Economy and Create Jobs

In a landmark development for Western Australia, the Federal Government has announced the establishment of the largest naval hub in the southern hemisphere at Henderson shipyard.

New Defence Precinct Announced for Henderson

Over the next two decades, the consolidated Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct at the Henderson shipyard in WA will generate tens of thousands of secure jobs in construction, submarine maintenance, and shipbuilding and establish a significant industrial pipeline for WA businesses.

With an initial investment of $127 million for planning and feasibility studies over three years, this work will shape the future delivery models and infrastructure needed to support the growth of the WA defence industry while ensuring engagement across federal, state, and local governments.

The significant investment, part of the broader AUKUS defence agreement between Australia, the UK, and the US, aims to support the construction of new landing craft for the Australian Army, new general-purpose frigates for the Navy, and the requisite extensive vessel infrastructure. It is also set to have depot-level maintenance and contingency docking for nuclear-powered submarines, which alone will create about 3,000 jobs.

Significant opportunities for WA’s economy & workforce

This expansion presents significant opportunities for WA’s economy, businesses and workforce. It establishes a major industrial pipeline rivalling the state’s mining sector, creating opportunities, supporting local businesses and jobs, and boosting long-term economic investment.

The Federal and WA State Governments have signed a cooperation agreement to:

Develop a forum for skilled workforce requirements;

Establish the necessary infrastructure, including common user facilities;

Ensure effective engagement across Federal, State and local governments and communities.

Coupled with the existing $8 billion commitment from government to expand HMAS Stirling, these investments and capability programs in WA will be worth tens of billions of dollars over the next two decades.

The AUKUS agreement continues to unlock pathways for WA businesses to integrate into global defence supply chains, with the potential to leverage tariff-free access to international markets. WA businesses seeking to take advantage of these opportunities should stay informed about local government grants, training programs, and industry updates.

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For more information on how Ledge Finance can help businesses position themselves within this evolving sector, contact us today.

For more information on AUKUS and how it can benefit your business, check out these articles:

Please note that the information provided here is general and does not constitute financial, tax, or other professional advice. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your needs and seek professional advice before making any decisions.

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Please note the information provided on this page is general in nature and does not constitute financial, taxation or other professional advice. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your needs and seek professional advice prior to making any decisions.