BACKGROUND
The AUKUS Nuclear-Powered Submarine Optimal Pathway announced in March 2023 by the US, UK and Australia entails:
- Increased visits of US nuclear powered submarines (SSNs) to HMAS Stirling naval base on Garden Island, Cockburn Sound Derbal Nara
- Up to four US SSNs to be stationed at Stirling on rotation (SRF-West) under the Force Posture Agreement (FPA) with the US as of 2027, to be joined by a UK Astute Class SSN a few years later
- HMAS Stirling to be the home port of Australia’s first nuclear powered submarines. Three (possibly 4 or 5) US Virginia Class SSNs are to be purchased (pending Congress approval) from the US in 2032, 2035 and 2038. At least 2 of these submarines will be 2nd hand with a purchase life span of only another 20 years.
Meanwhile production of Australia’s new SSN-AUKUS fleet (a co design with the UK) is scheduled to commence at Osborne shipyard, SA in the late 2030’s, the first of which is due for completion in the early 2040’s.
Defence has allocated more than $8 billion to upgrade infrastructure, extend wharf facilities and construct a controlled industrial facility (CIF) for management and temporary storage of LLW at Stirling.
Australia has agreed to store the low level radioactive waste (LLW) generated by the maintenance of the US submarines on rotation and to take responsibility for the intermediate and highly-enriched-uranium nuclear waste of Australia’s submarines.
Stop AUKUS WA works to increase community awareness of the public health, safety and environmental risks of naval nuclear reactors and nuclear waste storage.
The campaign opposes this nuclear creep and calls for a Nuclear Free Cockburn Sound – No Nuke Subs!
(March 2025)
