Construction has commenced on the new vessel transfer path at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC), with the WA Recovery Plan project creating local jobs and bolstering Western Australia's case to secure high value defence industry projects.
The transfer path is the first of four major infrastructure projects at AMC, which together are worth $87.6 million and expected to create almost 600 local jobs.
It is part of a suite of initiatives which will support the growth of WA's burgeoning defence industry, as the McGowan Government continues its efforts to secure the full cycle docking (FCD) submarine maintenance program.
A relocation of the FCD program would see WA become responsible for all maintenance of Australia's Collins Class submarine fleet, creating an expected 3,000 local jobs.
The McGowan Government has made a strong case for the project to be re-located from South Australia.
Premier Mark McGowan recently extended an invitation to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to tour the AMC and inspect the work underway at the facility.
The three other projects being delivered at the AMC include a new shipbuilding facility, a major wharf extension, and road intersection upgrades.
Building and civil construction company Georgiou was awarded a contract in January to deliver the transfer path, which will create greater connectivity across the AMC, between the floating dock and shipbuilding and sustainment facilities.
The project is expected to be complete in July 2021, ready to support the launching of the Royal Australian Navy's new Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels from September 2022.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"This is a significant milestone - with the first of four important job-creating infrastructure projects now underway at the Australian Marine Complex.
"These projects will initially create almost 600 construction jobs. When complete they will help underpin Western Australia's case to secure more local defence work, with the potential to create many thousands more ongoing local jobs.
"My Government has made a compelling case to secure FCD and we continue to ask the Federal Government to make the right decision in the national interest and send the project to Western Australia."
As stated by Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia:
"We urge the Commonwealth to make the long overdue decision to put full cycle docking in capable hands of Western Australia's defence industry.
"We have the expertise and are continuing to develop our infrastructure and workforce to ensure the AMC remains at the forefront of similar facilities around the world.
"These four projects will bolster the capability of the AMC, providing further support to the companies based here as they seek further high-value, job-creating defence industry work from Australia and around the world."
As stated by Cockburn MLA-elect David Scaife:
"The Australian Marine Complex and the companies located there are key employers for the local area and surrounds.
"These new infrastructure projects will support additional employment while strengthening the facility's broader capacity to take on future work - ensuring the McGowan Government continues to create a pipeline of work for local workers and small businesses."
