East coast port regions identified for nuclear submarine base

PRIME minister Scott Morrison has unveiled a $10 billion plan to establish a submarine base on the east coast of Australia, identifying three major port regions as potential locations.

In an address to the Lowy Institute, Mr Morrison said Brisbane, Newcastle, and Port Kembla were preferred over 19 initial locations, largely meeting the four criteria agreed on by the Australian government.

Firstly, each is close to sufficient industrial infrastructure which will support the complex demands of maintaining and repairing high technology submarines in an efficient and affordable manner.

Secondly, they are close to large population centres, optimising the ability to recruit the submarine workforce the government is building to crew and support future submarines.

Thirdly, the locations are reasonably proximate to Australia’s maritime training and operational areas, deep water, and weapons storage and loading facilities.

Finally, they are expected to ensure the location of the base provides strategic depth as far as possible from potential threats and supports the mounting and sustaining of operations.

Mr Morrison said the decision to establish an east coast submarine base has been many years in the making.

Its eventuation reflects the government’s determination to enhance the nation’s strategic deterrent capability with advantages operational, training, personnel, and industrial terms.

“An optimal east coast base would provide homeported submarines with specialised wharfs, maintenance facilities, administrative and logistics support, personnel amenities, and suitable accommodation for submarine crews and support staff,” Mr Morrison said.

“It would also enable the regular visiting of US and UK nuclear-powered submarines.”

The government has authorised defence to engage immediately with the NSW and Queensland governments and local governments and authorities to begin negotiations on what Mr Morrison described as “an enormous undertaking”.

“The establishment of a new submarine base on the east coast will bring significant positive long-term economic impacts,” Mr Morrison said.

“There will also be significant benefits for local and national industry in supporting the new base and the more complex and larger nuclear-powered submarine fleet.”

An initiative of the AUKUS partnership, the decision was driven by a goal to secure Australia’s future by building resilience and military capability.

The initial work is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.