Work has started on the A$430.5 million HMAS Watson redevelopment, marking a major milestone for a project set to deliver significant benefits and hundreds of jobs for NSW’s defence industry. Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the project would ensure HMAS Watson continued to support critical Navy training for up to 1,300 students per year. The projects set to be delivered include the construction of a new training precinct and new live-in accommodation for 236 trainees. A new medical clinic will be built, while there will also be much-needed upgrades to the existing water, electrical, and communication services.
“The enhancement of the Royal Australian Navy’s capabilities and expansion of the maritime force outlined in the 2020 Force Structure Plan underlines the importance of HMAS Watson,” Price said. “The base is essential to the sustainment of the current and future force, and requires an appropriate investment in its facilities and infrastructure. This will generate opportunities for small and medium local businesses and Indigenous companies. About 360 construction personnel will be employed at the site when construction reaches its peak.”
Price said the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to maximising opportunities for local industry involvement. “Defence’s managing contractor, Lendlease Building, is committed to local engagement,” Price said. “They have targets to award 95 percent of their sub-contract packages to businesses located within 60 kilometres of HMAS Watson, and to ensure at least 3 per cent of the project’s workforce is Indigenous.”
The works will be staged to ensure Navy training can continue throughout the construction period, and are scheduled for completion by early 2027. Defence is engaging with the local community by providing timely and regular updates on work activities, planned construction vehicle movements and potential disruptions through the HMAS Watson Redevelopment public website.
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