Previously secret New South Wales government documents have revealed that a proposed nuclear submarine base at Port Kembla could be a target for military adversaries, sparking concerns over public safety and local opposition.
The documents, prepared by the NSW cabinet office and premier’s department, identify Port Kembla as the preferred east coast base for Australia’s nuclear submarine fleet. They warn that residents are likely to perceive the base as a source of risk due to nuclear reactors on board and its potential as a military target.
More than 40 organisations signed the Port Kembla Declaration in September, opposing the base and arguing it would endanger the community. The documents, dating from the Perrottet government between 2022 and 2023, were tabled in NSW parliament by Greens MLC Abigail Boyd.
A preliminary cost-benefit analysis by NSW government officials estimated an economic benefit of $426 million from the base, but also acknowledged negative impacts such as residents having to leave homes, local business disruption, and worsened rail and road travel.
The federal government announced in March 2022 its intention to build an east coast nuclear base under the Aukus agreement. While no site has been officially announced, speculation has focused on Brisbane, Newcastle, and Port Kembla.
