11/2/05
Western Australia’s growing reputation as a shipbuilding hub received another boost today, with the awarding of a new $60million contract.
State Development Minister Clive Brown said Tenix Defence should be congratulated for winning the job to modify a merchant tanker to make a refuelling ship for the Royal Australian Navy, which would be named HMAS Sirius.
“This is another win for WA - it will have great economic benefits and provide more jobs for us,” Mr Brown said.
“In December, the Gallop Government announced a $65million strategy to develop a world class defence shipbuilding industry in the State and this is a vote of confidence.”
The Minister said WA was in a prime position to enjoy the benefits of economic expansion, driven by the State’s resources industry.
“We have a chance to diversify our economy and see new opportunities emerge and shipbuilding is part of the growing manufacturing opportunities we can build on,” he said.
“Under the Gallop Government, we have already seen other big successes that have enhanced WA’s reputation as a shipbuilding hub.”
Mr Brown said from the Austal/DMS joint venture to build the Armidale Class patrol boats, $300million was going to the construction of the RAN vessels at Henderson.
“It has also been indicated by the Commonwealth that an additional two of the patrol boats could also be built at Austal,” the Minister said.
“WA has also benefited from work costing $150million to upgrade the weapons systems aboard the Royal Australian Navy's ANZAC frigate fleet.
“Tenix Defence was also involved in attracting that work to this State and we congratulate the company for its latest success in clinching the contract to convert the tanker Delos into a modern refueller for the RAN.”
Minister's office: 9222 9699
