- AUKUS Community Taskforce report and Cook Labor Government response released
- The Cook Labor Government supports all 47 Taskforce recommendations
- Recommendations informed by extensive community and stakeholder engagement
- Government focused on helping communities prepare for growth and benefit from AUKUS opportunities
The Cook Labor Government has released its response to the AUKUS Community Taskforce report and supports all 47 recommendations aimed at helping Rockingham and surrounding communities prepare for AUKUS-related growth.
Chaired by Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall, the AUKUS Community Taskforce was established to engage with the Rockingham community on local needs and opportunities associated with AUKUS, and to identify ways local communities can benefit from the program's delivery in Western Australia.
The report is the culmination of that work, capturing community views and highlighting strong support for the jobs, skills and investment opportunities AUKUS presents, alongside the need for co-ordinated planning, clear communication and timely investment to ensure local communities are well placed to benefit from future growth.
The recommendations build on significant work already underway across housing, health, community services, roads and public transport. They provide a roadmap to help inform to strengthen community readiness, support co-ordinated planning and help ensure communities benefit from future growth.
The Cook Labor Government is already progressing initiatives that align with these recommendations, including a $10 million commitment for final planning, design and approvals for the delivery of METRONET Karnup Station; $1 million to undertake master planning for Rockingham General Hospital; $5 million to expand electrical training capacity at Rockingham TAFE; $3 million for the Career Taster Program for defence industries; and $3 million for lighting upgrades at Lark Hill Sportsplex.
The Cook Labor Government also supports improved road connectivity in Rockingham, with Main Roads WA progressing the Garden Island Transport Network Improvement Action Plan.
The Cook Labor Government will continue to work with the Federal Government, local government, industry and community stakeholders to further translate the recommendations into action and help the community maximise the long-term benefits of AUKUS.
The AUKUS Community Taskforce report and Cook Labor Government response is available here: wa.gov.au/AUKUS-Taskforce
As stated by Premier and Defence Industries Minister Roger Cook:
"AUKUS represents one of the most significant and transformative national defence and economic initiatives in our nation's history, with Western Australia at its centre.
"The communities surrounding HMAS Stirling will be at the forefront of this transformation. It is important that we listen to local perspectives and ensure growth is supported by the infrastructure, services and workforce initiatives communities need.
"The AUKUS Community Taskforce has provided valuable advice to government on the opportunities and challenges associated with AUKUS-related growth, informed by extensive engagement with local communities and stakeholders.
"While the Taskforce's focus has been on the communities surrounding HMAS Stirling, many of the issues identified through consultation have broader relevance as Western Australia continues to play a leading role in AUKUS and related national endeavours.
"The release of this report marks an important milestone, but it is not the end of the conversation. My government remains committed to working with communities, local government, industry and the Federal Government to ensure Western Australians share in the benefits of AUKUS for decades to come."
As stated by Minister Assisting the Defence Industries Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"AUKUS is creating real opportunities for Western Australia. It will deliver thousands of quality jobs for our kids, create more work for local businesses and diversify our economy.
"Our government is committed to ensuring that local communities benefit from all the opportunities AUKUS will present, which is why the work of the Taskforce is so important.
"Community voices will continue to shape our work as we embark on this important transformation for the future."
As stated by Taskforce chair and Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall:
"This report reflects the voices of people from Rockingham and surrounding communities who took the time to share their experiences, concerns and aspirations for the future.
"Throughout the consultation process, we heard a strong desire to ensure local communities are well placed to manage growth, benefit from new opportunities and maintain the qualities that make this such a great place to live.
"The recommendations are intended to help guide government priorities to ensure the benefits of AUKUS are felt locally through improved infrastructure, stronger services, new training and employment opportunities, and continued investment in the things that matter most to our community.
"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. These are practical steps towards preparing our region for growth and ensuring local people are better placed to share in the opportunities ahead.
"I am delighted that the government has supported all recommendations and look forward to seeing this work support positive and lasting change across the Rockingham region, helping to deliver better infrastructure, stronger services, new opportunities for local people and an even brighter future for our community."
