Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall to head AUKUS Community Taskforce to ease pressures around HMAS Stirling

As AUKUS ramps up in WA, Rockingham residents will have a stronger voice in the rollout thanks to a new taskforce.

To ensure pressures around HMAS Stirling are appropriately managed, the Cook Government has set up the AUKUS Community Taskforce.

AUKUS and the nearby Henderson Defence Precinct are expected to increase demand on infrastructure and services from additional workers in the region.

The taskforce, to be headed up by Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall, will work closely with the community, with a four-week public consultation period beginning last week.

Ms Marshall said AUKUS’ delivery would provide Rockingham 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,” she said.

“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.”

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.

City of Rockingham councillor Peter Hudson has labelled the taskforce a joke.

“With a little over (a year and a half) before AUKUS lands on our doorstep, why is the State Government only just arranging meetings to consider its implications to WA?” he said.

“Consultation is open to the public and stakeholders to tell the taskforce what they should already know: we need rapid upgrades to infrastructure, housing, education and health services —- last year, not next.”

Cr Hudson is behind a petition for the State Government to commit funding to the Garden Island Highway and to release a time line for its planning and delivery.

Last month, a Main Roads feasibility study found the highway, which would relieve traffic congestion around HMAS Stirling, was not needed.

The Government has committed funding for further road studies and upgrades for key entrances into the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area.

Other critics have questioned why the surrounding areas of Cockburn and Fremantle are not included in the taskforce.

The taskforce will include 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, the Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Defence, the Australian Submarine Agency, traditional owners, and Federal MHR for Brand Madeleine King.

Public consultation is open until Tuesday, March 3. Click here to learn more and to provide input to the public consultation.