# Australian Government Advances Henderson Precinct

Australia is moving its A$12 billion Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia from planning into design, creating a multi-year pipeline for shipbuilding infrastructure, submarine and surface-fleet sustainment, secure facilities, and potential private financing. Bechtel is engaged for precinct master planning, AECOM for environmental and ground studies, and Leidos Gibbs & Cox Australia to design a floating dry dock. The government has received about 70 responses to its request for expressions of interest and plans further private-sector engagement.

- **Why this matters:** The program may generate work across design, environmental assessment, ground studies, dock construction, shipbuilding, and sustainment; the A$12 billion figure applies to the precinct delivery program, not to any single contract identified here.
- Companies with relevant infrastructure, naval engineering, submarine support, and financing capabilities can use the planned private-sector engagement to position their capabilities for potential roles.
- Bechtel, AECOM, and Leidos Gibbs & Cox Australia have identified roles in the design phase, while the broader precinct is intended to support continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 05, 2026

### Government Entities
- Australian Government
- Department of Defence (Defence)
- Royal Australian Navy (Navy)
- Government of Western Australia (WA Government)

### Vendors
- Bechtel Infrastructure Australia (design services consultant for precinct master planning)
- AECOM Australia (contractor for environmental and ground studies)
- Leidos Gibbs & Cox Australia (designer of the floating dry dock)
- Austal (shipbuilder for Landing Craft Medium, Landing Craft Heavy, and Mogami-class frigates)

### Key Quotes
> This decision allows the next phase of planning and development of the precinct to progress at pace, so we can deliver the infrastructure needed to support continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in the West, and develop the capability to own, operate and sustain conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.
> — Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister

> We’ll now go into more detailed engagement with the private sector about where they see their role.
> — Pat Conroy, Defence Industry Minister

### Sources
- [Revealed: WA’s $12bn Henderson Defence Precinct for nuclear subs | The Australian](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/land-forces/hendersons-aukus-submarine-superhub-takes-shape-with-major-contract-awards/news-story/9c1e12441a6b1ea5235263b42034986f) - The Australian