The ‘consistent message’ from Rockingham as AUKUS rotations near

Rockingham’s ability to absorb an influx of defence industry personnel and their families as AUKUS ramps up remains at the forefront of community concerns, as the government moves to shore up the region ahead of submarine rotations beginning next year.

A “consistent message emerged” in the report handed down by AUKUS Community Taskforce this week, which probed four areas of focus, guided by community surveys and consultation with local organisations.

Across those areas of focus – housing; health and community services; roads and public transport; and education and community assets – the report made 47 recommendations, including for the monitoring of AUKUS’ impacts on housing supply and demand, and for capacity enhancements at Rockingham General Hospital.

The government released its response to the report on Thursday, with Premier Roger Cook noting the communities surrounding HMAS Stirling would be “at the forefront of this transformation”.

The first rotation under the trilateral agreement with the US and UK will begin in 2027, and will involve nuclear-powered submarines regularly docking at HMAS Stirling, on Garden Island just off the Rockingham coast.

Further north, Henderson’s industrial precinct is gearing up to grow into a major shipbuilding and submarine maintenance hub.

Earlier this year, it emerged that the number of defence personnel that would relocate to WA would be about 2300.

The taskforce report acknowledged that number from the Australian Submarine Agency, but noted it made up a small percentage of the supply coming down the line.

“The ASA has advised that the total number of incoming personnel and their families will be about 2,300, living in the broader 30km region surrounding HMAS Stirling,” the report read.

“This represents less than 5 per cent of the forecast dwelling supply expected to be delivered across the region over the next five years.

“Of the 1,200 SRF-West personnel from the US and UK, around half will be unaccompanied and live on base at HMAS Stirling.”

The report noted Defence Housing Australia was prioritising expanding supply through new builds, however it also found existing housing insecurity in the region may be “exacerbated by broader population growth and increased housing pressures”.

It recommended the government explore expanding capacity for housing support and homelessness services.

The report also recommended the government “prioritise short-term capacity enhancements” at Rockingham General Hospital, but noted defence growth would not be the “primary driver” of increased demand for health services.

The Cook government set up the taskforce in February, with Labor’s Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall appointed as chair.

It ran over four weeks, collecting survey responses from 855 people and 50 local organisations.

Marshall said feedback reflected the desire to ensure communities were well-placed to manage growth and benefit from AUKUS, and the report’s recommendations aimed to guide the government’s priorities.

“We are already seeing positive outcomes in areas our community identified as priorities, including master planning at Rockingham General Hospital, short-term improvements to the road network accessing Garden Island, and expanded training capacity at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Rockingham campus,” she said.

Cook said the taskforce had provided “valuable advice” and, while its focus had been on the communities surrounding HMAS Stirling, many issues had broader relevance in WA.

“The communities surrounding HMAS Stirling will be at the forefront of this transformation,” Cook said.

“It is important that we listen to local perspectives and ensure growth is supported by the infrastructure, services and workforce initiatives communities need.”

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