Future Submarine Project
The South Australian Division Committee welcome the recent announcement by the Australian Government that the French company, DCNS have been selected as the Government’s design partner for Australia’s Future Submarine Project. This $50 billion project, building the Australian Navy’s new 12 submarines, will be taking place in Adelaide.
This decision reinforces our firm belief that Adelaide retains one of the strongest engineering industries in this specialist field through the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) and many supporting supply chain companies, such as SAAB, MacTaggart and many others.
"We are confident that the announcement will result in many opportunities for our current and future members to be involved in the Future Submarines Project. In line with this the South Australian Division Committee, supported by its learned society committees, would like to take this opportunity to reinforce our position to members in that we are committed to providing CPD that supports and further develops the necessary critical engineering skills," said Engineers Australia South Australia 2016 President Niki Robinson.
Darlington Upgrade Project
On the construction front, Gateway South has finalised the scope of the Industry Participation Plan (IPP) for the $620 million Darlington Upgrade Project, expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said the project was being conducted in line with the State Government's IPP, meaning local South Australian businesses and workers will benefit most from this major project.
“Gateway South is committed to the South Australian Industry Participation Policy and will provide full, fair and reasonable opportunities for industry to participate in the Darlington Upgrade Project,” Mr Mullighan said.
Federal Major Projects Minister Paul Fletcher said the project would support about 370 jobs a year during major construction, which began in late April.
Engineers Australia South Australia 2016 President Niki Robinson adds, "This project provides our members with optimism into the future through the head contract and smaller work packages identified in the IPP. It is believed that in addition to the joint venture, these subcontracting opportunities in themselves will have a strong contribution to the South Australian economy and support the establishment of many job prospects for our current and future membership."
Find out more about the Darlington Upgrade Project here.
Image caption: Artist's Impression of Darlington Upgrade Project - view from south of Sturt Road, looking north.
Image credit: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure