The Department of Defence hasn’t ruled out Port Kembla as a potential base for Australia’s new $50 billion fleet of submarines.
The Mercury asked the department if the 12 French-designed Barracuda subs being acquired by the Navy would call the port home, following an indication Wollongong and Newcastle were being considered as possible locations.
In response, the department didn’t confirm or deny Port Kembla’s potential as a submarine base.
“The basing strategy for the Royal Australian Navy’s future submarine fleet remains under consideration and will be determined over the coming years,” a spokeswoman said.
“This strategy will be based on Defence’s strategic and operational requirements.
“No decisions have been made at this stage.”
The first submarines are likely to enter service in the early 2030s.