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The Albanese and Cook governments have selected the site for Western Australia’s new Henderson Defence Precinct, clearing the way for the next phase of planning for a major naval shipbuilding, sustainment and nuclear-powered submarine support hub.
The Albanese and Cook governments have selected the site for the Henderson Defence Precinct, marking a major milestone in Western Australia’s emergence as a key centre for naval shipbuilding, sustainment and AUKUS infrastructure.
The precinct will support the construction and sustainment of critical Australian Defence Force capabilities, including the Royal Australian Navy’s future general purpose frigates and the Australian Army’s Landing Craft.
It will also provide the infrastructure required to sustain Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, including the development of associated maintenance and support capabilities.
The site selection follows technical analysis and engagement between the Commonwealth and Western Australian governments, local industry and workers, traditional owners and community groups.
The project is underpinned by an initial $12 billion Commonwealth commitment announced in September 2025, with the broader program expected to support around 10,000 direct jobs in Western Australia over the next two decades.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the announcement represented a significant milestone for Western Australia and the AUKUS partnership: “This is great for Western Australia and great for local jobs. AUKUS is full steam ahead and we are proud to deliver this milestone today alongside our partner, the Cook government.”
The project will now move into its concept design phase, with further consultation involving governments, industry, technical design and planning partners and other stakeholders.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the decision would allow planning and development to progress towards establishing a major sovereign maritime industrial hub in Western Australia: “The selection of the site for the Henderson Defence Precinct is a major step towards establishing a world-class sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment hub in Western Australia.”
“This decision allows the next phase of planning and development of the precinct to progress at pace, so we can deliver the infrastructure needed to support continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in the West, and develop the capability to own, operate and sustain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy echoed the sentiments of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, saying, “The Henderson Defence Precinct will deliver and sustain some of the ADF’s most lethal and advanced capabilities while supporting thousands of skilled jobs and providing opportunities for businesses in the supply chain.”
The precinct is expected to become a central component of Australia’s long-term naval shipbuilding and sustainment strategy, complementing South Australia’s submarine and Hunter Class frigate programs and HMAS Stirling’s expanding role under AUKUS.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said the project supported his ambition to make WA the largest naval maintenance and shipbuilding hub in the southern hemisphere.
“My vision is for Western Australia to become the largest naval maintenance and shipbuilding hub in the southern hemisphere. Over the next decade, defence is set to become Western Australia’s second largest industry, helping us remain the strongest economy in the nation and the best place in the world to get a quality job,” Premier Cook said.
The governments have also committed to minimising potential impacts on existing local businesses and non-defence industries as the precinct is developed.
With the site now selected, Henderson can progress from long-term planning towards detailed design and delivery, establishing the infrastructure needed to support continuous naval shipbuilding, advanced sustainment and Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability.
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