The McGowan Government has delivered a compelling business case to the Federal Government outlining its commitment to bring COLLINS class Full Cycle Docking (FCD) to Western Australia by 2024-25.
The business case provides further detail after the independent PriceWaterhouseCoopers study, released by the State Government last month, identified moving FCD to WA is in the national interest.
The business case further confirms transitioning FCD to Western Australia is in the national interest and outlines the State Government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure and workforce training to ensure its success.
If successful, the McGowan Government is willing to build a new wharf, upgrade support facilities, improve traffic flows and parking at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson, upgrade transfer paths required for submarine maintenance, and further invest in workforce training through South Metropolitan TAFE.
In order to meet future Defence and industry needs and to attract private investment that will help expand the ASC facility at Henderson – the State is also willing to invest in further infrastructure such as a ship lift and a graving dock. The McGowan Government is also supportive of the zoning of a defence precinct in the AMC which will include security buffers.
Moving FCD to WA will reduce pressure on South Australia’s workforce, freeing them up to focus on building nine Hunter class frigates and 12 Attack class submarines.
Other benefits of moving FCD to WA include:
- Co-location of maintenance with operations is proven best-practice, building efficiencies between maintenance teams and a growing Royal Australian Navy workforce
- WA already has a highly-skilled COLLINS class workforce at the AMC which currently undertakes Mid Cycle Docking
- WA has world-class training facilities
- The AMC has cost-effective expansion options
The State Government will continue to work with Defence and the Federal Government to demonstrate Western Australia’s capabilities to deliver what is required.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“It’s in the national interests to ensure that our nation’s principal military strike weapon is kept operational and is well maintained.
“We have put forward a case that reinforces my Government’s commitment and shows we are prepared to work with the Federal Government to secure Full Cycle Docking for Western Australia.
“The business case reflects Western Australia’s capability and commitment. We want to act in the national interest, our industry is internationally competitive and have what it takes to deliver the full maintenance schedule.
“The submarines are based here at Garden Island so its operationally and logistically sensible to have the full maintenance of the subs undertaken locally.
“From my experience in the Navy, it’s far better for crew morale to have the maintenance undertaken where the submarines are based.”
As stated by Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia:
“The McGowan Government is undertaking extensive planning to ensure we are ready for FCD by 2024.
“The business case outlines the reasons why a transition is in the national interest and the State Government is committed to its success.
“The business case delivered to the Federal Government details infrastructure, training and financial commitments to ensure the FCD transition can be delivered smoothly and without disruption to the COLLINS class capability.
“In committing to FCD, WA will ensure a mix of experienced workers and highly-trained apprentices are available for the work by funding additional training and enhanced capacity through South Metropolitan TAFE.”
