MMHN fears the worst – once again.
Who knows what will become of this unique maritime infrastructure precinct? Will the cash-strapped State government have the vision or the capacity to somehow ensure that this significant maritime heritage precinct is not lost to the public. Williamstown ship yard, is the last of its kind in Victoria.
The owner, BAE Systems, is selling the precinct sale 8 years after the last vessel plunged down the slipway and ship-building ceased. Given that the federal shipbuilding business is being directed elsewhere interstate, it is not surprising that BAE cannot simply hold on such maritime infrastructure assets.
The sad trajectory for the Williamtown Shipyards was set in train in 2017 when the Coalition federal government of the day adopted political policy approach to sustaining maritime capability for our island nation, The ABC reported (16/5 2017) that the Williamstown shipyard been “left on the brink of closure having been being snubbed in the Federal Government’s new naval shipbuilding plan.
Then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull released Australia’s largest shipbuilding and sustainment program, including more than $1 billion worth of infrastructure upgrades at the Osborne shipyards in SA and at the Henderson shipyards in WA . Noting that “The plan acknowledges South Australia will struggle to provide the thousands of skilled workers needed for the massive expansion of the Navy’s fleet, with foreign workers and interstate talent needed to meet” .
MMHN has consistently castigated the Federal government for its lack of strategic vision in relation to maritime skills, shipbuilding, wharves, registered ships, etc. Such a political policy approach to investment in maritime capability in our island nation is obviously a serious concern.
MBN thanks BIAV for bringing this story to our attention.
