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The Australian Government has announced measures in response to the release of the Western Australian Government’s WA AUKUS Community Taskforce.
The Commonwealth was pleased to participate in the Taskforce, working alongside its Chair and the WA Member for Rockingham, Magenta Marshall MLA.
The Albanese Government supports the Report's recommendations, many of which align with activities already underway to support Western Australian communities, industry and workers.
The Government will repurpose $2 million in existing Commonwealth funding to support priority local transport initiatives in the Rockingham area, building on planning and analysis undertaken by Main Roads Western Australia, the Garden Island Transport Network Working Group and the City of Rockingham, taking forward an important line of effort identified by the WA AUKUS Community Taskforce Report.
Consistent with the Report's recommendations, the Albanese Government will support the establishment of an AUKUS WA Community Reference Group, in consultation with the WA Government and the local community, bringing together Commonwealth, state and local government representatives, industry and community members to support ongoing engagement, transparency and information sharing as AUKUS implementation progresses.
“The WA Community Taskforce Report provides valuable insights into how we can continue working with the Cook Government and local government and other representatives to support communities in Western Australia,” according to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
“AUKUS is already delivering in Western Australia through workforce initiatives, industry opportunities, infrastructure investment and preparations for Submarine Rotational Force-West.
“We remain committed to working closely with the Western Australian Government, local governments, industry and communities to maximise the opportunities AUKUS creates for Western Australians.”
The Australian Government will also work with the Western Australian Government and the City of Rockingham to develop a Rockingham AUKUS Community Benefits Framework, to help coordinate workforce, skills and community initiatives associated with AUKUS implementation.
Defence and the Australian Submarine Agency will also expand public information resources, including online resources to deepen understanding of AUKUS activities in Western Australia.
This builds on the opening of the WA Submarine Discovery Centre in Rockingham in July 2026. Since opening, the centre has welcomed more than 800 visitors and will continue to host regular community information sessions, providing opportunities for residents to engage directly with government representatives and technical experts.
The number of UK and US personnel projected to arrive in Western Australia as part of SRF-West is expected to be around 1,200.
Recognising this, Defence Housing Australia has been working to expand its footprint in Rockingham, set to grow its portfolio by an additional 92 homes – including town houses and apartments – in close proximity to HMAS Stirling. These properties will support Australian Defence Force personnel and SRF‑West personnel, including their families, in the coming years, adding to long-term local housing supply. These investments build on previous investments delivering live-in accommodation on-site at HMAS Stirling and in the surrounding area.
The Australian Government is committed to working with the Western Australian Government and local governments to maximise the benefits of AUKUS while minimising impacts on local communities, with ongoing planning and coordination to support local housing, transport, health services and other critical infrastructure needs.
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