Australia advances in nuclear submarine program with land agreement for new construction yard.

Australia is making substantial progress in its endeavor to build conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines with a significant land exchange agreement between the federal and South Australian governments.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, The Hon Richard Marles MP at Osborne, South Australia. (Picture source: Australian DoD)

The key player in this development, Australian Naval Infrastructure, will start taking over essential land parcels at Osborne from December 2023. This move is a crucial step in the commencement of this significant project. The plan also includes securing land for a Skills and Training Academy dedicated to nurturing Australia's submarine and naval shipbuilding workforce.

The land exchange agreement entails the South Australian Government acquiring several Defence-owned lands, including sites at Keswick, Smithfield, and a part of the Cultana Training Area.

The Cultana location is designated for hydrogen and renewable energy initiatives, whereas Keswick and Smithfield are set for urban renewal plans, including housing and mixed-use projects. A notable portion of the developments at Keswick, near Adelaide's CBD, and Smithfield will be allocated for affordable housing.

The construction at the Osborne submarine yard is set to commence this year, with the first SSN-AUKUS submarines' construction anticipated to start in the late 2020s.

The Osborne Skills and Training Academy is an integral part of this development, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce vital for the success of the SSN-AUKUS program and to sustain Osborne's leading capabilities in future decades.