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Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite has announced an $83 million investment to develop critical infrastructure upgrades at HMAS Stirling.
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The upgrade program will span 32 projects at the critical naval base to ensure the infrastructure is fit for purpose ahead of increased rotational deployments in support of the trilateral AUKUS agreement.
Projects at HMAS Stirling include remediation and maintenance of the Parkes Wharf, tunnel maintenance and building refurbishments. Work through the Defence Estate Works Program is expected to create more than 150 local jobs, providing significant opportunities for local trades, construction and other businesses.
Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite said: “These projects, to be delivered by local businesses in the Perth region, are supporting local jobs and creating opportunities in the trades and construction industries.”
This is in addition to the $8 billion investment announced by the Albanese government to upgrade HMAS Stirling over the next decade in preparation for Submarine Rotational Force-West, scheduled to begin later in the decade.
HMAS Stirling has already hosted two visits from US conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines since the AUKUS announcement in March 2023, and these upgrades will be critical in ensuring Australia is prepared to host US and UK submarines as part of SRF-West.
“These projects, to be delivered by local businesses in the Perth region, are supporting local jobs and creating opportunities in the trades and construction industries,” Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite explained.
Established in 1978, HMAS Stirling, located on Garden Island, is the core of Fleet Base West and provides operational and logistics support to the RAN ships, submarines and aircraft based in Western Australia.
The base is home to the RAN Submarine Training and Systems Centre, the Training Centre West complex, Defence Communications Station Perth, and a trials, research and support facility.
HMAS Stirling is home port for 14 Royal Australian Navy vessels, including the entirety of the service’s six Collins Class submarines and three auxiliary vessels that provide critical capability to Australia’s maritime national security.
