Site preparation has started for the new AUKUS shipyard in Adelaide after a contract for a storage area, bridge and road were signed.
The $368 billion project will reportedly allow more than 9,000 workers to be employed.
4,000 employees will be designated to design and build the nuclear-powered submarines.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has said the announcement is "a key first step” towards realising those important local jobs.
The US Congress approved the transfer of nuclear technology under the AUKUS security pact on 15 December.
