For first time in two decades, Defence is looking at options for a submarines base on the east coast

AUSTRALIA is looking at a radical strategic change to better protect the most populous half of the country.

EXCLUSIVE

Australia’s east coast might again support a fleet of submarines for the first time in 20 years with Defence strategically looking at options to better protect the most populous half of the country.

And such a move could prove an economic boon for NSW with the state likely to be the preferred option for such a base and with that would come with significant infrastructure and industry.

When Sydney Harbour’s HMAS Platypus subs base was decommissioned in 1999, the entire Oberon fleet and the then incoming fleet of new Collins class submarines were relocated to HMAS Stirling in West Australia.

There had been some debate then to split the fleet with submarines on either side of the continent but the move was deemed too costly for maintenance and staffing.

The HMAS Oxley arriving at HMAS Platypus, August 1967

But News Corp Australia has learned that option is being looked at again now with military chiefs reviewing various options in the wake of the incoming 12 new French-designed subs and the tensions and general instability of the South East Asia region, notably in the South China Sea and the Korean peninsula.

This computer-generated handout image released by the French Naval Group shows a 4,500 tonne Barracuda shortfin submarine. Picture: Supplied

Any decision could be some time off with the $50 billion new submarines project, being developed by French firm Naval, some years away. The first one is not expected to take to sea till 2030. But it could also take that long to develop support infrastructure.

Defence sources have confirmed all national security fleet options were on the table.

Platypus, which is now public space is not an option for a potential new base since it is too shallow now but Newcastle and Wollongong/Port Kembla are among the possible sites.

Requirements include a deep harbour, access to significant electricity for shore charging, space for maintenance and for a contained dam to dump the seawater submarines take on board, to compensate the weight of fuel, to clean and protect the environment.

Jervis Bay is not being seen as a good option as it was too open and lacked industrial support, despite the fact the RAN fleet tended to operate exercises between there and Sydney.

Sydney was too cramped and costly to build such a new site.

US defence contractor Lockheed Martin will supply the combat systems for Australia's new fleet of 12 French submarines. Picture: AFP

The NSW corridor was seen as optimum, ironically because it was busy with “higher contact density” to allow for better submariner training, to work harder at stealth between busy shipping lanes.

The question remained whether the fleet would or could be dispersed or whether all submarines would be based on one coast.

Submarine Institute of Australia secretary and former submariner Frank Owen said there was no doubt such an option for an east coast base had to be considered if for nothing else the sailor retention and growing of recruitment.

The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Waller (SSG 75), a Collins-class diesel-electric submarine, is seen in Sydney Harbour last year. Picture: AFP

“I think they are going to have to and I think it will enhance recruiting too by giving some career options that aren’t just in West Australia for those who want to join a submarine,” he said.

“They lost a lot of people because of that closing at Platypus … it’s not just the individuals it’s their extended families. Eighty-five per cent of the population live in that horse shoe between Melbourne and Brisbane, it goes without saying that’s 85 per cent of families who become an important support when a submarine is away for a long time.”

Originally published as For first time in two decades, Defence is looking at options for a submarines base on the east coast