Overview
From as early as 2027, AUKUS partners will have a rotational presence at HMAS Stirling of one UK and up to 4 US, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. This rotational presence of UK and US nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling will be known as Submarine Rotational Force - West (SRF-West).
In preparation for SRF-West, infrastructure at HMAS Stirling will be upgraded and enhanced to meet the requirements for conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines - both for visiting and rotational submarines and for Australia’s own nuclear-powered submarines in the future.
Australia’s Nuclear- Powered Submarine Program
On 14 March 2023, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) - the AUKUS partners - jointly announced the Optimal Pathway for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
SRF-West will help Australia build the necessary operational capabilities and skills to be sovereign ready, so Australia can safely and securely own, operate, maintain and regulate a fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.
Community information
Consulting with stakeholders and local communities is an integral part of the planning process. Defence is committed to ensuring the views and interests of key stakeholders and communities can inform planning and implementation across all phases of the Project.
Public Works Committee approval
The SRF-West Priority Works project was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (PWC) on 6 June 2024.
Defence held community information sessions in Rockingham in July 2024, focusing on the PWC process. Defence listened to feedback from local community and key stakeholders. The feedback was consolidated and submitted to the PWC. The PWC conducted a public hearing on 2 August 2024.
The project received parliamentary expediency on 22 August 2024. The PWC Report is available on the Parliament of Australia website.
Environmental referral
Defence is committed to ensuring the project meets the requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Under the EPBC Act, Defence referred the following planned works for the SRF-West Priority Infrastructure Works (EPBC Act referral 2024/10031):
- upgrade and install new maritime infrastructure including, pier and wharf improvements, mooring dolphin, new small vessel pontoons and berthing, and associated dredging works and piling.
- construct and operate a Controlled Industrial Facility to manage and temporarily store low- level radioactive material and waste. Associated infrastructure and works include:
- hardstands
- roads
- buildings
- water tanks
- utility building
- in-ground infrastructure and drainage
- vegetation removal
- piling
- lay down areas.
The proposed action is located at HMAS Stirling, Garden Island, WA and will provide infrastructure to support the operation of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has determined the works are a controlled action, and will assesses the preliminary documentation under the EPBC Act to make an informed decision whether or not to approve the action under Part 9 of the EPBC Act.
Consultation
Under Section 95(2) of the EPBC Act, the DCCEEW assessment will be based on Preliminary Documentation available on the SRF-West documentation page. The assessment is a statutory process under the EPBC Act and includes a minimum 10-business day period for public comment.
Comments received will be taken into consideration in the assessment by DCCEEW.
Defence will provide DCCEEW:
- a copy of all public comments received
- a summary of comments received, in the form of a collective feedback report which will also be published on the Defence website.
Submissions
Written comments relating to the information or action can be submitted by 10 pm AEDT Friday 14 February 2025 to srf-west.infrastructureproject@defence.gov.au.
By making a submission, the submitter confirms they have reviewed the Privacy Notice available on the Privacy Policy page.
Defence will collect personal information as part of this submission process, including the contact details of submitters (such as name and e-mail) and opinions in the submissions. Submissions will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. Defence will not use or disclose personal information without consent, unless authorised or required by law.
Information on the progress of the referral can be found on the on the EPBC Act Public Portal website - Submarine Rotational Force – West, Priority Infrastructure Works page.
Roads and transport
Defence recognises the importance of adequate transport planning and local road upgrades in line with the increase in Defence activities at HMAS Stirling.
Defence works closely with the City of Rockingham and WA State Government on transport studies, including identifying opportunities for road upgrades to improve traffic flow for the local community. This cooperation includes a specific study on the Cape Peron Transport Needs that has been developed by the City of Rockingham under the Cape Peron Planning Investigation Area.
Housing
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has signed 3 contracts with Western Australian businesses to deliver 550 additional new households for Defence personnel and their families close to Fleet Base West over the next 5 years. The new homes will be leased to DHA and provide accommodation close to Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling.
These agreements form part of DHA’s New Builds Volume Leasing Program and importantly will see developer Parcel Property, alongside local home builders Forma Homes and Plunkett Homes, expand local housing supplies.
The agreements follow an expression of interest period seeking industry participants who can deliver new properties using their own land, land source from the market, or a combination.
Project details
Timeframe
Early construction works began in 2024 following Commonwealth Government approval in late 2023.
Subject to environment and government approvals, main construction works are expected to commence in 2025.