Henderson gets cash boost

The Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson, Western Australia is set to receive a $136 million infrastructure boost from the state government. A new floating dock will be constructed with the funds as well as a new transfer system, dredging of a 17m-deep basin to accommodate the floating dock, electricity upgrades and an extension of the eastern wharf. The upgrade is expected to create 3,000 jobs over the next 10 years.

The marine complex is one of the nation’s major shipbuilding, maintenance and repair facilities. “The investment in the 100m floating dock alone is expected to inject $2.3 billion into Western Australia’s economy over the next 25 years from naval contracts, as well as up to $137million per annum in other projects,” Premier Alan Carpenter said.

Carpenter said that the upgraded facilities put the AMC in a strong position to win the bid for the $1.56 billion amphibious ships project for the Royal Australian Navy.

The upgraded AMC floating dock is needed to conduct repairs and maintenance on Australia’s submarines, as well as surface ships. As well as military applications, the facility will also be capable of accommodating ANZAC Frigates and commercial ship repair work and servicing the growing super-yacht industry.