By Kate Bonsack
JOBS have been secured and more will be created in Williamstown following BAE Systems winning a Federal Government contract last week to build ship hull blocks.
It is expected the $300 million contract will create 222 jobs and secure 178 at BAE Systems in Williamstown, where the workers will construct 36 blocks for three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers as part of the Australian Defence Force.
These blocks will comprise hull machinery compartments and bow and stern sections of the ships, which represent the most complex parts of the hull.
Williamstown MP Wade Noonan said the announcement was what the community had been waiting for.
“There had been some fairly dark clouds gathering over BAE in Williamstown, but they’ve certainly been blown away with this announcement,” he said. “The great news is that BAE will now also be in a better position to bid for additional work.
Construction is expected to start later this year and will be completed just prior to the start of work on the 27000-tonne Landing Helicopter and Dock Ships in 2011.
Mr Noonan said the announcement had come at a time when new job opportunities were vitally important to the local economy.
