Wollongong residents react angrily to reports Port Kembla will be east coast base for Aukus submarines

Wollongong locals have spoken out against the Aukus submarine plan after reports Port Kembla is the most likely site for an east coast base. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian

Unions and business groups in Wollongong have rejected the prospect of Port Kembla becoming the east coast base for Australia’s nuclear submarines, warning it could displace offshore wind and container terminal jobs.

While the Albanese government insists that no decision has been made on the base, local people have responded angrily to the $368bn 30-year Aukus submarine plan because of reports that Port Kembla is the site most likely for the east coast base.