Australian Department of Defence, Site work is about to start at the Osborne Maritime Precinct in South Australia – the construction site for the Navy's three Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD's), Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
The Federal Government has granted approval for the South Australian Government to start preliminary site works including land and environmental studies of the area to be known as the Common User Facility (CUF).
“This is another exciting step in the construction of the Air Warfare Destroyers and the beginning of a program which will create more than 1000 direct jobs in South Australia and up to 1000 additional jobs throughout the country,” Senator Hill said.
“The site works that are about to start include surveys of the area prior to construction of the Common User Facility which is expected to start next year.
“A topographical survey will be done to determine relative site levels and boundaries, a land based geological survey will evaluate foundation requirements and a Port River bed geological survey will determine dredging requirements.”
The Common User Facility will encompass a new 160m shiplift capable of handling the Air Warfare Destroyer, a new wharf, a new hardstand area and a new rail transfer system. In addition to this, ASC will be developing and expanding its production facilities which will include further outfitting halls, warehousing, fabrication facilities and new office accommodation.
“The vessels which are to be introduced into service from 2013 will be equipped with anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability.
“I would like to thank the South Australian Government for the excellent infrastructure investment package and its commitment to the Air Warfare Destroyer program.”
Senator Hill said the construction of the Air Warfare Destroyers will be one of the most significant shipbuilding projects undertaken in Australia to date, and will provide enormous opportunities for Australian industry.
“The ships will provide significantly increased protection from air attack for troops being transported and deployed on ADF Operations overseas and can provide long-range air warfare defence for a Naval task group.
“The ship will be equipped with the world-class AEGIS Combat System and will be interoperable with the United States and other coalition partners,” Senator Hill said.
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