Matt Burnett believes Gladstone is ideal place to host nuclear subs

Central Queensland locations are in contention to help improve Australia’s Defence hardening of borders.

Gladstone Harbour and Bridge. Photo contributed.

Australia’s new fleet of nuclear submarines could call the waters of Central Queensland home if a push from local and federal politicians is successful.

The Australian Government will soon acquire eight nuclear submarines, prompting more visits from US and UK submarines to Australia.

While it is speculated Port Kembla, NSW, is the preferred option as a new east coast base, Gladstone among other CQ locations, has been put forward as an option to consider.

Gladstone region Mayor Matt Burnett is urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles to consider Gladstone because of its strategic location, natural and man made assets and strong regional cooperation.

“Gladstone is ideally placed to support Australian and allied operations, and we are primed for an increased cycle of visits of Naval vessels,” Mr Burnett said.

“It makes sense to prioritise Gladstone as a northeastern port. It’s around 800 nautical miles (1500km) closer than Fleet Base East to potential northern operational areas, yet far enough away to offer force protection.

“Defence analysis has shown basing at Gladstone can cut as much as a week off key naval vessel turnaround times if they could replenish in Central Queensland instead of having to return to southern NSW for their needs.

“Gladstone has excellent maritime access via deep, dual shipping lanes plus eight main wharf centres, with 20 wharves.

“It’s the ideal location for rapid resupply, and the only Australian port between Brisbane and Darwin currently certified by the interdepartmental Visiting Ships Panel (Nuclear) to host nuclear powered surface ships.

“There’s also plenty of affordable industrial land to support Defence and Defence Industry growth and excellent links to major rail networks and Australia’s national highway.”

Mr Burnett invited the Prime Minister, the Minister Defence, and Vice Admiral Mead AO, RAN, Chief Nuclear-Powered Submarine Task Force, and his staff to visit Gladstone.

It’s not just Gladstone that is being considered as having assets that would improve Australia’s Defence challenges in the upcoming release of Australia’s Defence Strategic Review but also Port Alma, the principal Australian port for handling large quantities of Class 1 explosives; the world-class and recently upgraded Shoalwater Bay Training Area; Rockhampton Airport, which accepts B737 and A320 Airbus Aircraft and hosts an Alliance Maintenance Facility; and the Bajool Explosives Reserve with its established storage, testing and disposal capabilities.

Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce, Capricornia MP Michelle Landry and Rockhampton-based Senator Matthew Canavan have also thrown their support behind the push.

Mr Boyce said Gladstone’s deep-water port provided an ideal location for quick responses to evolving situations and as a rapid resupply point for nuclear submarines.

“There is no doubt that Central Queensland has the infrastructure and capabilities to support the Australian Defence Force into the future,”Mr Boyce said.

Ms Landry said the ADF had already identified a need to develop further bases in Northern Australia in the interest of national security.

“Central Queensland already has the infrastructure in place to support defence in our region; Shoalwater Bay Training Area, deep-water port in Gladstone and Rockhampton Airport already utilised for large-scale military exercises,” Ms Landry said.

“Developing an ADF operation base in Central Queensland will also diversify our region’s economy beyond coal and agriculture and reinforce the resilience of our region.”

Senator Canavan said having a nuclear sub stationed in Gladstone would bring more opportunity as a result of the defence forces to the region.

“It’s an opportunity to show that we’re a region willing to stand up and say yes to the benefits that stationing the new AUKUS deal subs in Gladstone would have,” Mr Canavan said.