THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
THE HON. NICOLA ROXON
Federal Member for Gellibrand
Thursday, 15 April 2010
048/2010
Air Warfare Destroyer project benefiting Victoria
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, and Nicola Roxon,
Member for Gellibrand, announced today that full production of Australia’s
three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) is now underway at the
BAE Shipyard in Williamstown Victoria, bringing with it jobs to the local area.
At an event at the shipyard in Williamstown, Minister Combet said production
was now underway at three shipyards across Australia: At Forgacs Group in
Newcastle, BAE Systems Australia in Melbourne and ASC in Adelaide.
“This is an important milestone for the project and equally important for the
local community at Williamstown,” Mr Combet said
“The AWD Alliance will fabricate 31 blocks for each ship at three shipyards:
Nine blocks at ASC in Adelaide, 12 blocks at BAE Systems in Melbourne and
10 blocks at Forgacs in Newcastle. BAE Systems are fabricating the
complex-shaped keel blocks of the warships.
“In 12 months the completed blocks will be shipped to Adelaide for
consolidation into the complete warship. The first block to arrive in Adelaide
next year will come from the BAE Systems shipyard.”
Nicola Roxon, the Federal Member for Gellibrand, said more than 400 people
are involved in AWD block production at the BAE Systems shipyard.
“The shipyard currently employs 17 apprentices, with another 23 planned to
be recruited over the next two years. These are exciting opportunities for
young Australians,” Ms Roxon said.
“The $300 million contract awarded to BAE Systems represents a major boost
to the local economy and the benefits will flow for many years to come.”
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Libby Muir (Nicola Roxon):
03 9317 7077
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
