New Submarine Discovery Centre opens in Rockingham as AUKUS presence grows

The centre features interactive displays, educational exhibits and information on Australia’s future fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, as well as the workforce, infrastructure and industry opportunities expected to emerge from the project.

The opening comes as preparations continue for the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force - West, which will see United States and United Kingdom nuclear-powered submarines regularly operate from Western Australia from 2027. The rotational presence forms a key component of the AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “The new discovery centre will be a valuable resource for Rockingham – providing a space for locals and visitors to explore what our investments in AUKUS mean for them and learn about how we are transitioning to this game-changing capability.”

Rockingham is expected to play a central role in Australia’s submarine future, with major upgrades underway at HMAS Stirling and associated Defence facilities across the region. The Commonwealth has committed billions of dollars towards expanding infrastructure, workforce development and industrial capability to support the long-term operation and sustainment of nuclear-powered submarines.

Defence officials said the new centre will provide a permanent location where members of the public can learn more about the submarine enterprise, explore career pathways and engage directly with representatives involved in delivering the capability.

“Western Australia is already the home of Australia’s submarines and is now at the forefront of the AUKUS pathway playing a vital role in Australia becoming sovereign ready to own and operate our own fleet of nuclear-powered submarines,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

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The facility is also expected to support community engagement as construction and defence activity accelerate across Western Australia over the coming decade.

Member for Brand, Madeleine King, said: “Rockingham has a long and proud history of supporting the Royal Australian Navy for over 45 years. Since being first commissioned in 1978, Rockingham has warmly welcomed HMAS Stirling into our community, with the city itself granting it Freedom of Entry in 1988, and HMAS Stirling exercising that freedom in 2023, supported by the thousands of local residents that came along to be part of an important tradition.”

The opening of the discovery centre follows a series of milestones for the submarine program, including the expansion of Australian industry participation in AUKUS supply chains, ongoing workforce development initiatives and preparations for the arrival of allied submarines under the rotational force arrangement.

“Rockingham will be at the forefront of AUKUS, providing jobs and economic opportunity and playing a central role in the security of Australia,” King said.

While debate over the cost and strategic implications of AUKUS continues, the new centre reflects the growing physical presence of the submarine program in Western Australia and the federal government’s efforts to build public awareness of a project expected to shape Australia’s defence posture for generations.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.