At a recent City of Rockingham Naval and Defence Industry Conference, over 170 local business owners and officials gathered at the Gary Holland Community Centre in Rockingham to hear more about the AUKUS agreement and what opportunities could emerge for Rockingham and surrounding areas.
More than 1,000 Western Australians so far have benefited from training opportunities and financial assistance, according to a state government report, with Rockingham recognised as ‘defence ready’ for emerging opportunities in job creation, infrastructure development, training, local business engagement and economic growth.
“Our region is on the cusp of some very exciting developments,” City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin said. “We see the economic impact as not just a once in a generation opportunity, but a once in a century transformation.”
As the local government closest to Australia's largest naval base, she said, the City is strategically positioned to support defence-related industry development, investment and collaboration with AUKUS.
Rockingham is perfectly positioned to be a magnet for economic growth under AUKUS.
“With our proximity to HMAS Stirling and the Henderson Marine Complex, growing industrial capacity, and strong ties to Defence, we’re ready to support thousands of new jobs, attract major investment, and help shape WA’s future as a leader in national security and innovation.
Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce CEO Sue Hasey said the opportunities in Perth’s South-West Metropolitan Region are endless, particularly for local businesses.
“Rockingham is one of Australia's fastest-growing areas, and with the AUKUS agreement in play, we are poised for even greater economic growth, boosting both established industries and emerging local businesses.”
Rockingham is also well-placed to host a modern training, research and innovation centre to support WA’s defence industry.
An upcoming Rockingham Strategic Centre Precinct Structure Plan has identified an education sub-precinct and a Transit-Oriented Development Village along Dixon Road – both with strong capacity to support defence and defence-related industries through accommodation, innovation and education. Research and training providers have also expressed interest in expanding their presence in the area.
In Baldivis and surrounding areas, 550 new homes are planned for Australian Defence Force personnel and their families, further cementing the region’s role in national defence. However, as Rockingham continues to grow, the City’s community and transport infrastructure needs urgent updates to meet future demands.
Mayor Hamblin welcomed the state and federal government’s commitment to carry out feasibility studies of Garden Island Highway, but said more needed to be done to ease growing traffic congestion concerns, and improve road connections to enhance defence logistics and workforce mobility.
“We will continue to advocate for greater state and federal government investment in our critical infrastructure,” Mayor Hamblin said.
Learn more about Rockingham's Defence Industry.
Image credit: WA Defence Review.