Newcastle Still in the Running for East Coast Submarine Base

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

 

The Hunter Defence Chair says Newcastle is still in the race to be selected as the location for an AUKUS Submarine Base, despite reportedly falling out of favour to Port Kembla.

Tim Owen says the City's long-running shipbuilding industry, RAAF base, and strong engineering workforce, make a strong case for the base to be placed there. 

 

However, there's concern Port of Newcastle's half-Chinese ownership could cause issues.

Newcastle was short-listed for the project in March last year. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, said no matter where it's placed, the region would benefit from an East Coast submarine base. 

A decision is set to be made later in the year. 

 

Image: Defence Connect

 

 

Newcastle still on the cards for nuclear sub base

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle, Port Kembla, and Brisbane are now the only options being considered for a $10 billion nuclear submarine base.

The Department of Defence says no other ports will be included in a feasibility study, expected to be complete by the latter half of 2023.

Past reports ranked the three locations poorly, however.

An Australian Financial Review report earlier this week, stated Newcastle had emerged as the frontrunner.

The report also claimed the Government was considering if it would have to buy out the Chinese stake in the Port of Newcastle, but Defence says it hasn't undertaken any preparatory work.