- AUKUS Community Taskforce established to engage local community near HMAS Stirling on matters key to the delivery of AUKUS
- Chaired by Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall, the group will consider and make recommendations on local issues, including infrastructure, housing, and services
- Community survey on key local matters open until 3 March
- Cook Government diversifying the economy so it remains strongest in the nation
The Cook Government will establish the AUKUS Community Taskforce to channel local input into the delivery of the trilateral defence program, ensuring any pressures on the region can be appropriately managed.
The delivery of AUKUS and the nearby Henderson Defence Precinct is expected to see an increase in demand on local infrastructure and services from additional workers in the region.
The taskforce will work closely with the local community, with a four-week public consultation opening today. The taskforce will identify local needs and opportunities for transport infrastructure, housing, health services, and community assets in relation to AUKUS.
Feedback is sought from residents and stakeholders in the Rockingham community on matters such as transport infrastructure, housing, education, health, and other community services.
The taskforce, to be chaired by Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall, will include State Government representatives from the departments of Premier and Cabinet, Transport and Major Infrastructure, Planning, Lands and Heritage, and Education, as well as Defence West and the South Metropolitan Health Service.
It will also include representatives from the City of Rockingham, Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Defence, the Australian Submarine Agency, local Traditional Owners and the Hon Madeleine King MP, Federal Member for Brand.
Ahead of the delivery of AUKUS, the Cook Government has already committed funding for a range of upgrades around the region, including $100 million to redevelop two local public high schools, and more than $14 million to create the WA Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence across South Metropolitan TAFE campuses.
Funding has also been committed for further road studies for the area, and upgrades for key entrances into the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area.
Public consultation is open until Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
To learn more and to provide input to the public consultation, visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/aukus-community-taskforce
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"AUKUS represents a major step in my government's vision to diversify the State's economy by building more things here and creating quality jobs for Western Australians.
"Alongside the economic opportunities created by AUKUS, our government is committed to investing in the local infrastructure and services that the Rockingham community need.
"The AUKUS Community Taskforce will identify local needs and opportunities arising from the expansion of Defence-related works in the region."
As stated by AUKUS Community Taskforce Chair and Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall:
"The delivery of the AUKUS project will provide Rockingham and the surrounding communities with an unprecedented opportunity to grow and develop.
"Hearing directly from stakeholders about how we ensure our local community can accommodate incoming defence personnel, their families, and associated workforces will be central to ensuring AUKUS delivers lasting benefits for our community.
"As a local mum, I want to make sure that Rockingham is prepared for this growth and that local families can share in the opportunities that come with it.
"Importantly, the taskforce will involve public consultation so that our community has a genuine chance to have their say and help shape Rockingham's future."
