Port Kembla emerges as preferred site for new submarine base, ahead of AUKUS unveiling

A United States Navy Virginia-class submarine, USS Hawaii, berths at an existing Australian naval base in Western Australia. (Supplied: Department of Defence)

The bustling New South Wales maritime gateway of Port Kembla has firmed as the Defence Department’s preferred location for a new east-coast submarine base which would eventually house Australia’s future nuclear-powered boats.

Last year former prime minister Scott Morrison announced Port Kembla as one of three potential options for a new naval facility, along with Brisbane and the NSW city of Newcastle.