BY DAKOTA TAIT
Newcastle's been shortlisted as a potential location for a new submarine base to house the country's nuclear-powered fleet in the future.
Brisbane and Port Kembla are also on the cards, however, it's understood the Department of Defence's preferred option is at Wollongong.
The nuclear-powered fleet is being acquired as part of the AUKUS partnership.
It's not expected the $10 billion project will replace current submarine facilities in Sydney and Perth.
Liberal Candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell says she's pushing the Commonwealth to pick the Hunter.
"I've cited things like the existing skilled shipbuilding workforce that we have here, the defence and strategic military importance that we have with our RAAF base and our Lone Pine," Ms Vitnell said.
"Also the fact that we have a deep working port - from what I understand, some of the other proposed locations might have silting problems or might not be deep enough."
Initial works are expected to be complete at the new location by next year.
The Federal Government is also set to decide on a design for the new submarines within the next couple of months.
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| Image credit: www.navy.gov.au |
