THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
013/2008
LAUNCH OF NEW SUBMARINE FACILITY IN WA
Greg Combet, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, today attended
the launch of the new ASC West Facility in Western Australia.
The new facility represents an amalgamation of three service facilities into one
consolidated state-of-the-art submarine support facility at the Australian Marine
Complex at Henderson.
The facility will allow for the conduct of submarine maintenance and capability
enhancements to be conducted in an undercover and modern environment.
Mr Combet said the launch was, A pivotal milestone for Australias submarine
community which represented a much needed and significant step forward, delivering
a world-class submarine maintenance facility in Western Australia.
He said, ASC West represents a major step forward in delivering greater capability
and availability, while enabling more efficient sustainment and better value for money
for the Commonwealth.
The billion dollar Collins Class submarines have, to date, had to be maintained in
very difficult conditions, open to dust, sand and weather.
When ASC West becomes fully-operational next year, ASC will be better equipped
to respond quickly to Navy requirements. A quicker turnaround time can only result
in a better meeting of Navys demanding operational requirements for the
submarines, he said.
Mr Combet also thanked Alan Carpenter and the Western Australian Government for
their significant contribution.
The common user infrastructure that is being developed is fundamental to enabling
ASC West to exist and undertake submarine maintenance in a dedicated and
consolidated state-of-the-art support facility.
Key enabling infrastructure, including a floating dock, a transfer system and wharf
extensions will allow ASC to undertake its submarine maintenance tasks more
effectively and efficiently than ever before, he said.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 4771 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664