Sydney Harbour already had substantial commercial activity, so an expanded naval establishment would compete for waterfront space. Financing the base could make naval expenditure the main priority of Australian defence policy, leaving less money for the army and air force. Higher taxes are another possibility, with consequences for governments trying to meet their other promises. Delayed decisions and phased construction expose projects to rising prices and changing requirements between estimate, order, and payment. Singapore's construction illustrates that risk. Paying for the MI6 headquarters on the Thames in one go provides a contrasting example to the phased payments typical of British government contracts.
Notable Point · 1:00:23-1:02:38
A Sydney fleet base competes with commerce and defence budgets
Naval expansion would compete for harbour space and Australian revenue, while prolonged construction could increase costs.