Premier Colin Barnett has welcomed the news that Western Australia was one of the two locations to implement the Australian Government’s commitment to a continuous build of naval surface ships in Australia. Mr. Barnett said this was recognition of the State’s capability in the naval shipbuilding sector and a massive boost for local jobs and the economy.
“From 2020, WA will take over the construction of the Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) from South Australia in a contract worth more than $3 billion, creating more than 400 direct jobs. I also congratulate Austal Ships on being selected as the preferred tenderer to construct and maintain up to 21 replacement steel-hulled Pacific patrol boats at their premises at the Australian Marine Complex. This contract is valued at $500 million and is expected to create about 130 jobs.” Mr. Barnett commented “WA has the infrastructure, capability and expertise to participate in future naval defence shipbuilding and submarine programs – our industry is innovative and our workshops are ready.” Barnett added.
Mr. Barnett explained that along with Western Australian Commerce Minister Michael Mischin, he will continue to promote the State’s capabilities to key decision makers, including the successful three shortlisted designers of the OPV. One of these designers, Lurssen from Germany, is in fact currently in WA on a two-day OPV industry engagement program arranged by the Department of Commerce.