Western Australia’s ability to take on a greater share of naval shipbuilding work and sustainment has received a boost, with construction on a major wharf upgrade at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) underway.
The upgrade is part of a suite of WA Government initiatives helping to grow the State’s defence industry and secure an ongoing pipeline of work.
As part of the project, the existing AMC Berth 1 will be extended by approximately 153 metres and existing services on AMC wharves 1, 2 and 3 will be improved.
The upgrades will create additional berth capacity for all Royal Australian Navy vessels, including Anzac class frigates, Offshore Patrol Vessels and the future Hunter class frigates.
The project also includes the design of a 200-metre Finger Wharf to create Berths 7 and 8, which would increase the AMC’s capability to support larger navy vessels.
WA-based civil and electrical construction business Ertech has been awarded the contract to design and deliver the major wharf upgrade.
The design and construction phases of the project will create 55 local jobs. Construction is expected to be completed by September 2022.
As part of its WA Recovery Plan, the WA Government is investing more than $89.3 million in four infrastructure projects at the AMC, including the major wharf upgrade.
A new vessel transfer path at the AMC has recently reached practical completion and earthworks are now underway for a new shipbuilding hall and two road intersections.
Together, the projects will create up to 600 local construction jobs.
The AMC represents a major infrastructure asset to the national defence sector, contributing significantly to maritime innovation and Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability. The complex is utilised by over 150 local small and medium-sized enterprises and provides a significant training pipeline for WA workers.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Our investment in a major wharf upgrade at the AMC is an example of our commitment to growing the defence capabilities we need to diversify Western Australia’s economy and create jobs.
“It is one of four major infrastructure projects that the WA Government is investing a total of $89.3 million in. Together, the four projects will create up to 600 local construction jobs.
“Delivery of these projects will strengthen our case that Western Australia should be the nation’s primary location for frigate maintenance.”
As stated by Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia:
“The AMC in Henderson is one of just two locations identified for naval shipbuilding in Australia, making it a precinct of strategic national importance.
“Delivery of infrastructure projects like the major wharf upgrade demonstrates the WA Government’s ongoing commitment and ability to meet the current and future needs of Defence.
“With this investment, the Western Australian defence industry is in a prime position to secure more shipbuilding contracts into the future.”
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
“The WA Government is committed to ensuring the AMC continues to be a world-class shipbuilding, sustainment and maintenance facility.
“The development of the complex as a nationally significant industrial area is guided by the AMC Strategic Infrastructure and Land Use Plan, which was released by the WA Government in November 2020.
“Investing in upgraded infrastructure helps cement the AMC’s reputation as Australia’s key defence industry hub and will help to secure defence contracts that will generate high-value, job-creating work for Western Australians in the national interest.”
