Marine and Defence

The Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) is responsible for industry development, investment attraction and trade facilitation in some of the most strategically important industry sectors in Western Australia (WA).

WA is host to a world-class shipbuilding industry that is responsible for around half of Australia ’s commercial shipbuilding production.  The industry is also a leader in the production of Patrol Boats and paramilitary vessels for the Australian and other navies and law enforcement agencies around the world. The Royal Australian Navy’s West Coast fleet of surface combatants and submarines are repaired, maintained and upgraded at WA Australian Marine Complex located in Henderson.

WA’s marine industry has been a pioneer in the development the light-weight high-speed fast ferry industry and is a world leader in this technology, producing around 25% of the world's aluminium high-speed ferries.  WA's shipbuilding industry also excels in building luxury yachts, rescue, patrol, fishing and offshore supply vessels for burgeoning local and export markets.

With the establishment of the Australian Marine Complex, (AMC) DoIR plays a key role in the national and international marketing and promotion of the Complex and attracting investment into this world-class facility.

The key objectives for the development of the Australian Marine Complex are:

• To enhance the development of local industry engaged in the manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, technology, repair and maintenance servicing activities in the marine, defence and resource industries;
• To establish the Australian Marine Complex into a world-class Centre of Excellence for manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, technology, repair and maintenance servicing activities in the marine, defence and resource industries;
• To ensure the Australian Marine Complex is recognized as the pre-eminent location of choice, locally, nationally and internationally for manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, technology, repair and maintenance servicing activities in the marine, defence and resource industries.

DoIR's  responsibilities include the development and delivery of support programs to encourage and assist the growth of the marine and defence.  Some of the department’s current initiatives include: