BAE lease extension signals confidence in the Australian Marine Complex
BAE System’s multi-million dollar investment in its future at the Australian Marine Complex has cemented the industrial precinct as a leader in the delivery of key infrastructure to the defence, resources and marine sectors.
LandCorp and the Department of Commerce said the extension of BAE’s shorefront and seabed leases was a vote of confidence for the AMC and the Western Australian economy.
LandCorp chief executive Ross Holt said the defence and security company recently signed a 17-year seabed lease and renewed a 25-year lease for its shorefront land, ensuring it will continue to be a major player at the AMC until at least 2038.
“This is a significant investment and a strong sign of commitment to more than 500 people currently employed at BAE Systems in WA” Mr Holt said.
“As we enter the next phase of growth at the AMC, BAE’s resources and energy contracts and commercial and defence ship repairs will continue to expand, adding to the already 4,000-strong workforce across the AMC. ”
Since its establishment, BAE and other local businesses have contributed to more than 400 major projects worth over $1.6billion delivered at the AMC since it opened in 2003.
Department of Commerce general manager John O’Hare said as part of its lease commitment, BAE Systems will invest more than $20million in upgrades including a new office building, shiplift upgrades and additional rail facilities, which will help the company grow its business into new markets.
“BAE has already undertaken significant upgrades at its site including resurfacing and sealing the
14.5-hectare yard, construction of an additional dry berth and upgrade and extension of the main dry berth,” Mr O’Hare said.
“By continuing its investment, BAE has made a clear commitment to its defence, resources and commercial customers in Western Australia.”
Located 23 kilometres south of Perth, tenants at the AMC include the nation’s largest shipbuilder, Austal Ships, and several companies with established international reputations for defence shipbuilding and support including Raytheon and ASC.
The Australian Marine Complex is a key component of the Western Trade Coast and a significant contributor to the State in terms of employment and gross domestic product.
