Henderson jubilant

Employment in Kwinana and Rockingham is set for a boost after Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a $350 million contract to build eight new customs patrol boats at Austal Ships.

The contract includes a $50 million in-service component for which Austal will provide ongoing support and maintenance for the boats for a period of eight years, with options to extend it to the 20-year life of the boats.

The Prime Minister said the contract provided an opportunity for employment in Western Australia and would greatly increase protection of Australian waters.

‘‘This investment will directly support 500 jobs and 1000 indirectly,’’ she said.

‘‘The new boats will help to combat people smuggling, drugs, compromises to biosecurity and illegal fishing.

‘‘They have advanced capability, are faster and can sail for up to 28 days.’’

Replacing the ageing fleet of Bay Class patrol boats, also built at Austal, the new Cape Class boats will cover a big area.

‘‘The new vessels will be equipped with greater surveillance technology and will be able to travel longer distances between refuelling,’’ Ms Gillard said.

‘‘The next-generation vessels will allow the simultaneous launch of two response tenders that are bigger, faster and have greater capacity to carry out rescues.’’

Austal spokesman Cameron Morse said the contract was significant for the company.

‘‘It is a key first step in the repositioning of our Henderson facilities as a defence-focused operation.

‘‘Austal is pleased to confirm the award of a contract for the design, construction and through-life support of eight new vessels for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service,’’ he said.

Brand MHR Gary Gray welcomed the announcement, pleased with the additional strength i t would bring the Henderson industrial precinct.

‘‘This is important news for the Henderson facility, delivering greater stability for the local shipping industry that will create local jobs and valuable business for local companies,’’ he said.

Construction on the first boat is due to begin in February 2012 and all boats are expected to be ready between 2013 and 2015