$436m revamp of HMAS Cerberus naval training base could lead to jobs boost for Mornington Peninsula
A PLANNED $436 million redevelopment of the HMAS Cerberus naval training base at Crib Point is likely to mean a jobs bonanza for the Mornington Peninsula.
South East
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THE Mornington Peninsula could be in line for a massive jobs bonanza with news of a planned $436 million redevelopment of the HMAS Cerberus naval training base at Crib Point.
The project would boost the region’s economy and provide contract opportunities for small and medium sized businesses, say state and federal politicians.
Work on the base is expected to begin later this year and be completed by mid-2025.
The redevelopment aims to upgrade engineering infrastructure and key training and support facilities at the base.
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The project is now the subject of an inquiry by the Federal Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, which scrutinises expenditure of taxpayer money.
Federal Flinders MP Greg Hunt said after the inquiry local businesses could tender for contracts through the AusTender website.
“This investment secures the future of HMAS Cerberus as a naval training facility and will provide a flow-on effect to the local economies of Crib Point, Hastings and surrounding area,” Mr Hunt said.
“The redevelopment of HMAS Cerberus will provide a crucial upgrade of outdated infrastructure.”
He said the training base opened in 1920 and its facilities no longer met demands.
“These upgrades will provide much-needed improvements to ensure our defence capacity continues into the future,” he said.
State Hastings MP Neale Burgess said the project would overcome deficiencies in the outdated facility and was money “well spent”.
“We need to ensure this principal training establishment for the Royal Australian Navy supports the 980 uniformed men and women and is of the highest calibre,” he said.
“The flow on effects of this funding will be felt not just in the RAN training establishment, but right across the Mornington Peninsula and Australia-wide.
“This is also good for jobs, which is good for the economy and great for the local community.”
Submissions on the project would be accepted up to July 27 with public and private hearings likely in August.