The site layout includes the preferred location for the Government’s naval shipbuilding and sustainment activities, and for the sustainment of Australia’s future conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, representing an important milestone in the delivery of AUKUS.
The Defense Precinct at Henderson is where critical maritime capabilities for the Australian Defense Force will be built, including the Navy’s future general-purpose frigates and the Army’s Landing Craft. These capabilities will be vital to delivering a more integrated and capable Defense Force.
The selection of the site has been informed by technical analysis and thorough engagement between the Albanese and Cook Governments, local industry and workers, traditional owners, and local community groups.
All of this is underpinned by billions of dollars of investment in Defense capabilities and infrastructure in the West being made by the Albanese Government, including an initial $12 billion funding commitment to deliver the Defense Precinct, announced in September 2025.
Alongside the Albanese Government’s record investments across shipbuilding and AUKUS, these commitments will support around 10,000 direct jobs over the next two decades in Western Australia.
The program to deliver the Defense Precinct will now progress into a concept design phase, which will see further engagement between the federal and state governments, local industry, technical design and planning partners, and other key stakeholders.
The Albanese and Cook Governments are committed to minimizing potential impacts to local business operations, including non-Defense industry, as they work together to deliver this important national endeavor, and its opportunities for Western Australia and the nation.
