Australia starts upgrade of naval base HMAS Stirling

An AUD $367 million project to upgrade the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling got underway on November 10 as Australia’s defense minister Marise Payne and Western Australia senator Slade Brockman joined the sod-turning ceremony to mark the ceremonial start of the upgrade.

Located on Garden Island, near the city of Perth, HMAS Stirling is being redeveloped to better support the Australian Navy’s operations in the Indian Ocean.

Already home to Anzac-class frigates and Collins-class submarines, HMAS Stirling is set to become the homeport of Future Frigates and Future Submarines.

“HMAS Stirling is one of Australia’s most important naval bases and this investment will modernise essential infrastructure such as the wharves, power, water and security systems, minister Payne said.

“As set out in the Turnbull Government’s 2016 Defence White Paper, the Indian Ocean is of strategic importance to our nation with vital trade and energy routes, and this upgrade will ensure that we have a strategic naval presence in this important maritime domain for decades to come.

Senator Brockman said the project is expected to create around 150 skilled construction jobs over next two and a half years, with local businesses expected to play a significant role in delivering the upgrades.

“This project is an excellent example of local businesses benefiting from upgrades to our Defence facilities and training areas,” Senator Brockman said.

“The project has already awarded the first three contracts to local companies for the causeway armour, concrete remediation and fender steelwork trade packages for a combined value of $37 million.”

The remaining 19 trade packages are expected to be awarded in the coming months. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2020.