South Australia’s role at the centre of Australia’s future submarine program has been strengthened, with the Australian Government announcing an additional $4.6 billion investment in the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne.

The investment in Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) will support ongoing construction and development across the Osborne precinct as work continues to build the infrastructure, workforce and industrial capability required to deliver Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.

The latest funding builds on the $3.9 billion announced in February, bringing the Australian Government’s investment in the project to $8.5 billion.

The Osborne construction yard is a key part of Australia’s sovereign submarine enterprise and will support the nation’s ability to build, operate and sustain its submarine fleet for decades to come.

Australian industry continues to play a major role in the project, with ANI awarding around $1.9 billion in contracts to date. The investment is supporting business growth, strengthening supply chains and building Australia’s sovereign industrial capability.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the work underway at Osborne demonstrated the momentum of the AUKUS program.

“The work underway right now at Osborne demonstrates that AUKUS is on track and happening now, all while creating opportunities for Australian industry and workers for decades to come,” Minister Marles said.

The broader conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine program is expected to create nearly 10,000 jobs across South Australia.

Around 1,100 workers are already supporting delivery of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard and associated workforce initiatives, including the Skills and Training Academy Campus, Production Demonstration Facilities, and project planning and design activities.

Scheduled to open in 2028, the Skills and Training Academy Campus will strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers needed to support Australia’s future submarine and naval shipbuilding programs. Designed to train up to 1,000 learners at a time, the facility will combine education with practical, industry-focused learning, supported by the expertise of Australia’s Sovereign Submarine Build Partners, BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the scale of investment being delivered at Osborne reflected the significance of the program for South Australia and the nation, with the submarine yard expected to be ten times bigger than the existing shipyard.

“It is difficult to comprehend the scale of the billions of dollars of investment being delivered at Osborne to enable us to build the most complex machines on the planet,” Premier Malinauskas said.

The latest investment reinforces South Australia’s role at the centre of Australia’s sovereign submarine enterprise and supports the long-term delivery of the AUKUS submarine program.