Construction now underway on $87m WA Australian Marine Complex project

Major works have commenced to deliver the first of four infrastructure projects at the Australian Marin Complex (AMC) in Western Australia following a smoking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction. 

The four major infrastructure projects – with a combined value of $87.6 million – are being built as part of the WA Recovery Plan that will create about 600 construction jobs as well as bolster the State's case to secure high-value projects from the defence industry. 

“This is a significant milestone – with the first of four important job-creating infrastructure projects now underway at the Australian Marine Complex. 

“These projects will initially create almost 600 construction jobs. When complete they will help underpin Western Australia's case to secure more local defence work, with the potential to create many thousands more ongoing local jobs,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

The Vessel Transfer Path Upgrade is the first infrastructure project, and it is valued at $8 million. The Vessel Transfer Path is utilised for transporting vessels between the Common User Facility (CUF) floating dock and the Civmec Shipbuilding Facility (CSF). 

Works are being by Georgiou Group, with scope of works including: 

• Widening of roadway between Floating Dock and CSF 
• Regarding of roadway and adjacent turning areas to provide suitable vertical geometry 
• Modification of stormwater drainage to suit reconfigured roadway 
• Removal and/or relocation of service infrastructure such as lighting towers, distribution boards, fire hydrants and booster cabinets 
• Upgrade of pits and manholes to suitable class, allowing trafficking by self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT) and vessels 

The entire AMC development is part of a suite of initiatives that are aimed at supporting the growth of Western Australia's booming defence industry while the State Government continues its efforts to secure the full cycle docking (FCD) submarine maintenance program. 

“These four projects will bolster the capability of the AMC, providing further support to the companies based here as they seek further high-value, job-creating defence industry work from Australia and around the world,” Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia said. 

If the FCD program is relocated to Western Australia from South Australia, this will mean that Western Australia will become responsible for all maintenance of Australia's Collins Class submarine fleet – which is expected to create about 3,000 local jobs. 

The three remaining projects at the AMC will include the delivery of a new shipbuilding facility, a major wharf extension as well as road intersection upgrades. 

The first project is due to be completed in July 2021, in time to support the launching of the Royal Australian Navy's new Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels beginning in September 2022. 

“The Australian Marine Complex and the companies located there are key employers for the local area and surrounds. 

“These new infrastructure projects will support additional employment while strengthening the facility's broader capacity to take on future work – ensuring the McGowan Government continues to create a pipeline of work for local workers and small businesses,” Cockburn MLA-elect David Scaife said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Georgiou Group (1, 2)