Secret documents reveal preferred Australian nuclear submarine base – and warn it could be a military target

Port Kembla, 75km south of Sydney, is the preferred east coast base for Australia’s proposed nuclear submarine fleet, NSW government documents show. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP

A proposed nuclear submarine base in Port Kembla “could be a target for Australian military adversaries”, previously secret New South Wales government documents have revealed.

The documents, prepared by the NSW cabinet office and premier’s department, identify Port Kembla – 75km south of Sydney – as the preferred east coast base for Australia’s proposed nuclear submarine fleet. No site has been announced, but speculation has focused on Brisbane, Newcastle and Port Kembla.