The Australian Government is advancing efforts towards delivering a world class defence precinct at Henderson, Western Australia, appointing engineering consulting firm AECOM Australia to undertake site characterisation studies of the site, waters and surrounding environment.

AECOM will carry out environmental and ground studies across Western Australia’s Cockburn Sound region, laying the groundwork for future infrastructure at the Henderson Defence Precinct.

Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group, Dave Hanley, said the precinct would be one of two main hubs for building and sustaining vessels for the Australian Defence Force and partner nations. 

“Planning is progressing for Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia, which will become the home of continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment, and the sustainment site for our future nuclear-powered submarine capability,” Mr Hanley said. 

“Its development will create thousands of highly skilled jobs for West Australians.”

More than 20 studies will be conducted to understand engineering, environmental and marine conditions in the area to guide further development of the Henderson Precinct. This will support early risk identification and help ensure future infrastructure is well planned and positioned to meet regulatory requirements.

“Together, these studies will establish a strong evidence base to guide future infrastructure investment and ensure decisions are informed, responsible and sustainable,” Mr Hanley said.

“This work underpins the safe and strategic development of the major maritime and industrial infrastructure needed to deliver the precinct’s future capability requirements.”

The studies will be funded through the government’s initial $127 million commitment to progress planning, consultations, preliminary design and feasibility studies for the Henderson Defence Precinct.

This follows the appointment of Bechtel Infrastructure (Australia) Pty Ltd as design services consultant to deliver infrastructure designs and a master plan for the Henderson Defence Precinct.

The Henderson Defence Precinct will play a vital role in securing continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in Australia, delivering Australia’s future conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines and meeting our AUKUS commitments.

For more information visit: Henderson Defence Precinct | Business & Industry | Defence