Site Preparation Licence   

ANI has received an Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Licence from the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR) for specific regulated activities within the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne.

The licence enables ANI to commence specific regulated site preparation activities within a defined area of the new yard. It marks an important regulatory milestone for the project and supports the next phase of activity at Osborne.

The licence relates to the preparation of a site for a Naval Nuclear Propulsion (NNP) facility within the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard. The NNP facility is where nuclear-related activities would be undertaken onsite during the operational phase, specifically:

• where submarines will be consolidated, tested and commissioned
• where safety monitoring and analysis will take place
• where power units would be temporarily stored before installation into the submarines
• other relevant supporting infrastructure.

It is important to note that there will be no radioactive materials used during preparation of the Construction Yard.

Types of activities which are permitted as part of this licence include earthworks and ground improvement.

ANI’s licence application addressed the requirements of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 and included details of the evaluation of geological and geotechnical conditions of the proposed site, environmental impact assessments and mitigations, and the safety measures that would be put in place to prevent accidents and robustly address risks.

The licensing of a Naval Nuclear Propulsion facility is a staged regulatory process, with approvals required as the project progresses. This approach supports ongoing regulatory oversight and provides multiple opportunities for the community and stakeholders to stay informed and be involved over time.

You can view the Notice of Decision on the ANNPSR website here: ANNPSR determination.

The staged licensing approach aligns with international best practice standards and guidelines. This staged approach allows for continuous improvements in the design, operation and safety throughout the entire facility lifecycle. Although the licensing process is staged, there are linkages between each application phase. This comprehensive approach enables the ANPPSR to make well informed decisions and ensures ongoing improvements in design, operation, and safety throughout the entire facility lifecycle.

Who is the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator?

All nuclear safety activities related to the nuclear-powered submarines built at Osborne will be overseen by the dedicated Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR), under specific legislation, the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 (ANNPS Act). 

The ANNPS Act sets out the regulatory framework that will assure the safety of people and the environment in the build, sustainment and operation of nuclear-powered submarines. 

The ANNPSR commenced operations on 1 November 2025, and is the regulatory agency responsible for assessing and deciding licence applications for relevant NNP facilities within the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard, which is situated within the Osborne designated zone.   

Although ANNPSR is new, it will follow in a long tradition of strong, independent regulation of nuclear activities in Australia. A primary function of ANNPSR is to foster a culture of nuclear safety for all activities associated with nuclear-powered submarines.

How can I find out more information?

ANI prepared a Site Licence Application Summary Overview that summarised key parts of the site licence application in clear language, while maintaining technical accuracy. 

To further support understanding, we also prepared the following documents:

Guide to Reading Site Licence Application Summary Overview

Site Licence Application Summary Overview

Fact Sheet

FAQs

Consultation on the site licence application is now closed.

ANI conducted community consultation on our site licence application in November 2025, and we sincerely appreciate the diverse perspectives shared during this process. Thank you to everyone who attended one of the six community drop-in sessions and to those who took the time and effort to make a submission.

ANI reviewed all submissions and prepared a response document to ANNPSR, which was lodged with our site licence application.

A report summarising what we heard from the community can be found here.

ANI will hold informal drop-in sessions where residents, businesses and interested stakeholders can speak with our team about the licence determination and learn more about recent progress, upcoming works and future activities across the precinct.

The drop-in sessions will be held at the following times:

Session 1: Friday 14 August, Lefevre Community Centre, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Session 2: Saturday 15 August, Port Adelaide Plaza shopping centre, outside Woolworths, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Community members are welcome to attend either session at any time during the advertised hours.

For further information, please contact us at [email protected]

To further support understanding, we also prepared the following documents:

If you have any further questions about the NPSCY program, please email communityengagement@ani.com.au

Do you need these materials translated?

If you require translation services to help you understand this information, please contact: 

Australian Government Translating and Interpreting Services: 13 14 50 

South Australian Government Interpreting and Translating Centre: 1800 280 203.