Confidential NSW Documents Reveal Port Kembla as Preferred Site for Nuclear Submarine Fleet
Leaked analysis from the NSW Cabinet Office identifies Port Kembla as the top candidate for Australia's nuclear-powered submarine base, raising serious concerns over community safety and military targeting.
Confidential documents from the New South Wales government have identified Port Kembla, located 75 km south of Sydney, as the preferred east coast site for Australia's proposed nuclear-powered submarine fleet. The documents were prepared by the NSW Cabinet Office and Premier's Department and tabled in the NSW parliament by Greens MLC Abigail Boyd.
Risk Perception and Military Targeting
The analysis states that residents may perceive the base as a risk due to the nuclear reactors on board the submarines and the potential for the base to be a military target. It notes that in the event of conflict, the East Coast Base could be targeted by adversaries. The documents compare public perception to that of a nuclear power station as a source of environmental disaster risk.
"The public's risk perception compared to a nuclear power plant is unknown without further research," the documents state.
Community Opposition
Opposition to the base has been expressed by a significant portion of the Port Kembla population. In September, over 40 organizations signed the Port Kembla Declaration opposing the base, citing concerns for community safety.
The documents date from the Perrottet government (2022–2023). The current Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, stated that no work is being undertaken by the NSW Government in relation to the base.
Federal Context and Timeline
The federal government announced in March 2022 its intention to build an east coast nuclear base to station nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. The federal government has previously stated a decision on location would be made by the end of 2023, with operational status by 2040.
Economic Benefits and Local Impact
A preliminary cost-benefit analysis by NSW government officials identified Port Kembla as the best site, estimating an economic benefit of A$426 million to the state through improved infrastructure and increased economic activity.
The documents note that Port Kembla's outer harbour could accommodate increased berthing, a dry dock, and a submarine facility. However, they acknowledge that some residents may need to relocate, local businesses could be negatively affected, and rail and road travel might worsen.
Nuclear Safety Concerns
Regarding nuclear accident risk, the documents state that submarines are only sometimes at the base, reducing probability, but the base is more likely to be a military target. The submarines use highly enriched uranium, similar to that used in nuclear warheads, and store enough to operate for over 30 years.
Scale and Cost
The east coast base is expected to be at least twice the size of Western Sydney International Airport and operational by 2040. The Department of Defence estimates over A$10 billion will be needed for facility and infrastructure requirements.
Political Reactions
Federal Greens Senator David Shoebridge commented that the documents show the governments know the base will be damaging and dangerous for the community. He argued that the base would make Australia a target.
The federal government has agreed in-principle to the Defence Strategic Review recommendation for an east coast facility, but states no decision on location will be made until the 2030s. A spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said no decision has been made.