Air Warfare Destroyer Project Benefiting Victoria

15 April 2010

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."