Overview

HMAS Watson base is located on a 14.6 hectare site off Cliff Street at Sydney’s South Head in New South Wales. The HMAS Watson Redevelopment project is addressing functionality and capacity shortfalls in facilities and infrastructure on the base.

The project also aims to address high risk issues associated with non-compliant facilities and reduce ongoing operating costs by consolidating similar functions.

HMAS Watson site images (PDF, 1.11 MB)

Community information

Defence consulted with local residents, statutory authorities and other interested stakeholders as part of obtaining Parliamentary expediency for the works to proceed under the provisions of the Public Works Act 1969. Consultation was conducted during September and October 2019 with a community information session held in 2020.

Defence will conduct further community information sessions throughout the construction phase of the project.

Traffic and parking

Defence commissioned a traffic consultant to assess the traffic impacts of the construction activities. The assessment considered impacts to existing traffic networks including roads, public transport, pedestrian and cycling paths.

HMAS Watson Traffic and Parking Impact (PDF, 412.1 KB)

Noise management

Defence commissioned a specialist environmental consultant to assess the noise impacts of the construction activities on the local community.

Noise management and treatment measures will be implemented to reduce noise where measures may exceed acceptable limits. Treatment measures are designed to ensure any impacts are minimised.

HMAS Watson Noise Impact (PDF, 1.15 MB)

Project details

Planned works for the next 6 weeks from 2 March 2026 to 18 April 2026:

• LIA Stage 2
  • Completion of Piling to Building C and D
  • Demobilisation of Piling Rig and Excavator from site
  • Out of hours delivery of Tower Crane components and Installation of the Tower Crane
  • Temporary Power Connection for the Tower Crane
  • Ongoing detailed excavation and substructure works, including in ground services and connections
  • Commencement of superstructure works

HMAS Watson 6 Week Look Ahead (PDF, 162.52 KB)

Timeline