Independent Wollongong councillor and former chief executive officer for the Port Kembla Port Corporation Dom Figliomeni said that,while he was open to the proposal,it was essential that it received bipartisan support and was assessed on strategic defence grounds.
“It is something that needs to be looked at objectively and comprehensively,” he said.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the investigation is done comprehensively,that risks are assessed and identified.
“As far as jobs go,it definitely takes Wollongong up to the next level in that it will be very high-skilled jobs,not only in relation to the submarines themselves,but the associated industries that would develop around it. I definitely think it would have a lot of positives in that respect.”
Business Illawarra executive director Adam Zarth said that,while the proposal might create more defence jobs,the business community would want an assurance that the port’s broader commercial operations could continue to boost the economy.
“It is fantastic to see Port Kembla considered for other important uses,” he said. “The contingent factor is whether we can have growth of defence jobs and other potential uses of the port.”