Albanese and Cook Governments select site of the Henderson Defence Precinct

The Albanese and Cook Governments are today announcing the selection of the site for the new Defence Precinct at Henderson – supporting thousands of well‑paid, highly skilled jobs, and delivering continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in Western Australia for generations to come.

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 Defence Precinct at Henderson is where critical maritime capabilities for the Australian Defence Force will be built, including Navy’s future general purpose frigates and Army's Landing Craft. These capabilities will be vital to delivering a more integrated and capable Defence 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 Defence capabilities and infrastructure in the West being made by the Albanese Government, including an initial $12 billion funding commitment to deliver the Defence 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 Defence 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 minimising potential impacts to local business operations, including non‑Defence industry, as they work together to deliver this important national endeavour, and its opportunities for Western Australia and the nation.

A copy of the map is available here: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20262634

For more information visit: Henderson Defence Precinct | Business & Industry | Defence

“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 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.

“All of this is critical to strengthening Australia's sovereign defence industrial base, supporting thousands of local jobs, and delivering the maritime capabilities needed to keep Australians safe.”

“This milestone demonstrates the Australian and Western Australian Governments’ collective commitment to delivering what will be a major industrial hub in the West.

“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.”

“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.

“Today’s announcement is an important milestone that will enable both government and industry to get on with the job in securing this massive economic opportunity for Western Australia.”

“The Henderson Defence Precinct is another major vote of confidence in Western Australia’s ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects, expanding our role as a global leader in the maritime and defence industries. 

“This investment will support thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs over the coming decades, providing lifelong careers for people in Perth’s southern corridor.” 

“This precinct will be the centre of Western Australia’s growing defence industries sector.  

“With support for advanced manufacturing and major investment in skills and training, our Government is ensuring that WA businesses and workers are at the front of the line for the opportunities that AUKUS presents.”

PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.