CIVMEC starts construction on new submarine rescue facility for RAN

Work is underway on a new submarine rescue facility in Western Australia that will help vessels stranded in emergency situations.

The $12.5 million project in Henderson, south of Perth, will replace the Australian Defence Force’s ageing submarine rescue system.

Defence minister Linda Reynolds says it will also be capable of supporting other nations’ submarines operating in the region.

“In a time where our submarines are operating more than ever, we must continue to ensure our submarines are prepared for any mission, including rescue operations,” she said on Thursday.

The site will house a rapid launch and recovery system, hyperbaric treatment unit, and maintenance training and testing infrastructure with a seven-metre deep pool.

Construction, which is being undertaken by CIVMEC, is due to finish next February.

It comes amid news COVID-19 has not delayed a decision on shifting billions of dollars worth of submarine maintenance to WA or keeping it in South Australia, Senator Reynolds said.

She said the government was still considering the location for full-cycle docking of Collins Class submarines and the decision would be made at the “right time” and in the best interest of navy.

For more, including the response from Federal Labor MP Josh Wilson and WA Minister for Defence Issues Paul Papalia.

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