iscover
The Western Australian government has announced it will support all 47 recommendations from the AUKUS Community Taskforce Report.
The Western Australian government released its response to the AUKUS Community Taskforce Report, including support for 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 strengthen community readiness, support co-ordinated planning and help ensure communities benefit from future growth.
“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,” Premier and Defence Industries Minister Roger Cook said.
“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.”
The Western Australian 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 Western Australian government also supports improved road connectivity in Rockingham, with Main Roads WA progressing the Garden Island Transport Network Improvement Action Plan.
The Western Australian 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.
“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,” Marshall said.
“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.”
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Defence Connect a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Defence Connect as a preferred news source.