Sub-par share of $368bn Aukus deal for the Top End
The Territory is unlikely to see a share of the $368bn Aukus submarine deal, although it could still become the dumping ground for the subs radioactive waste.
Northern Territory
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The NT is unlikely to see a share of the $368bn Aukus nuclear submarine deal penned this month, though there is still a chance the Territory could be used to dispose of radioactive waste.
Shallow seas around the Top End mean submarines are not be able to hide from radar detection, unlike the west and east coasts of Australia where ocean shelves drop off to kilometres-deep waters relatively close to shore.
The Territory’s proximity to Southeast-Asia also fails to be a significant drawcard, as nuclear submarines can travel much faster than diesel powered machines and are not required to resurface for fresh air supply.
Speculation the hi-tech submarines might see an upgrade to Darwin’s Defence Regional Maintenance Centre was also shut down.
“Routine maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines will be conducted at HMAS Stirling WA,” a Defence spokeswoman confirmed.
“There will not be additional requirements for Darwin Defence facilities to cater to nuclear-powered submarines.”
Retired army officer and current Member for Solomon Luke Gosling hinted the biggest boon to the Top End would be a general uptick in Defence personnel passing through the port.
“In the short term there’ll be increased visits from the U.S. submarines,” Mr Gosling said.
“Not massive numbers of people but, because they go to sea for a long time, when they get off they give them some good time off.
“That’s when Darwin will put on its brilliant best hospitality.”
Mr Gosling said Darwin remained a “critical forward operating base” and the NT government was working to understand what was needed to support submarine operations in the future.
“A lot of Australian and US funding is going into making sure there’s interoperable infrastructure here in Darwin,” he said.
“That’s great for jobs and we love having visitors.”
Meanwhile, conjecture continues around which state or territory will become the dumping ground for nuclear waste from the submarines after it was confirmed all waste would be dealt with domestically on Defence-held land.
The ADF owns 12,271sq km of land in the Territory, a parcel which could be expanded with any Commonwealth-held land between now and the 2050s when defueling of the Aukus submarines is expected to begin.
A spokeswoman for Defence said the ADF would be working over the next 12 months with relevant agencies including the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency to review locations that could be suitable for the storage and disposal of radioactive waste.
“The outcomes of the review will inform a more detailed process that will include consultation and engagement with stakeholders, including community and Indigenous groups,” she said.
Originally published as Sub-par share of $368bn Aukus deal for the Top End
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