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The federal government has taken another major step towards transforming Henderson in Western Australia into one of the nation’s most important defence and shipbuilding hubs, with engineering consultancy firm AECOM Australia appointed to undertake extensive site and environmental studies across the region.
The works will focus on Cockburn Sound and surrounding areas, examining marine, environmental and geotechnical conditions to support the long-term development of the planned Henderson Defence Precinct, a project set to underpin Australia’s future naval shipbuilding and submarine sustainment ambitions.
Deputy Secretary of the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group, Dave Hanley, said planning for the precinct was continuing to gather momentum as the government pushes ahead with one of the largest defence industrial developments in Australian history.
“Henderson Defence Precinct will become a cornerstone of Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment enterprise,” Hanley said.
“It will serve as a critical sustainment hub for Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines while also supporting the construction and maintenance of major naval vessels for both the Australian Defence Force and partner nations.”
Hanley said the project would deliver a significant economic boost for Western Australia, creating thousands of highly skilled jobs across shipbuilding, engineering, manufacturing and advanced industrial trades.
Under the contract, AECOM will undertake more than 20 separate studies designed to provide government and industry with a detailed understanding of engineering, environmental and marine conditions within the precinct. The studies are intended to identify risks early, support regulatory approvals and ensure future infrastructure is developed responsibly and sustainably.
“This work will provide the evidence base needed to guide future investment decisions and ensure the precinct is developed safely, strategically and sustainably,” Hanley said.
The studies form part of the government’s initial $127 million investment into early planning, consultation, preliminary design and feasibility work for the Henderson Defence Precinct.
The announcement follows the earlier appointment of Bechtel Infrastructure Australia as the design services consultant responsible for developing the precinct’s master plan and broader infrastructure designs.
The Henderson Defence Precinct is expected to become one of two central pillars of Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy alongside the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.
The precinct is also central to delivering Australia’s commitments under the trilateral AUKUS agreement, particularly the sustainment and eventual operation of Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
In addition to the initial planning allocation, the government has committed a further $12 billion to commence early work at Henderson, providing industry with greater certainty while detailed planning and design activities continue. Defence officials said the precinct is expected to require total infrastructure investment of around $25 billion over the coming decade, making it one of the most significant defence infrastructure undertakings in Australia’s history.
The Henderson project builds on the previously announced $8 billion investment into upgrades at HMAS Stirling, which is being expanded to support the future operation of Australia’s sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability and the rotational presence of allied submarines under Submarine Rotational Force – West from 2027.
Planned infrastructure at Henderson is expected to include contingency docking and support facilities for nuclear-powered submarines, depot-level maintenance facilities and graving docks, large-vessel docking capabilities, advanced shipbuilding halls and a modern sustainment yard for Australia’s future surface combatant fleet.
The precinct will also support construction programs for dozens of Australian Defence Force vessels over the next decade, including 18 Landing Craft Medium and eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels, further cementing Western Australia’s role at the centre of the nation’s future maritime industrial base.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
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