The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments will invest up to $2 million over the next year to deliver a series of studies to inform future infrastructure and transport requirements around HMAS Stirling in Rockingham, Western Australia.
Western Australia is at the forefront of Australia’s AUKUS pathway, continuing its proud tradition as the home of Australia’s submarine fleet. From 2027, HMAS Stirling will host the rotational presence of United States and United Kingdom submarines through Submarine Rotational Force-West, before Australia owns and operates its own fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.
The Albanese Government recognises that as part of this, work needs to be undertaken to ensure adequate transport planning and local road upgrades occur, in line with the increase in Defence activities at HMAS Stirling over the coming decades.
Together, the Albanese Government and Western Australian Government will jointly fund three studies in the Rockingham region, focussed on access to HMAS Stirling:
- A study of options for roads, infrastructure and local transport;
- A detailed environmental study of the Garden Island Highway Proposal, and;
- A detailed heritage study and constraint mapping exercise of the Garden Island Highway Proposal.
The studies will commence in early 2025 for a period of approximately 10 months, with findings to be presented to the Commonwealth and Western Australian Government to inform decisions around transport infrastructure and connectivity upgrades. These activities will build on existing studies and work already undertaken by the State Government in the local area.
These joint activities will be implemented under the Cooperation Agreement between the Commonwealth and Western Australian Government, which was announced in October 2024, demonstrating our shared commitment to supporting communities and contributing to Defence’s capability in Western Australia.
AUKUS will deliver a generational investment in the Western Australian economy. Over the next decade, the Albanese Government is investing up to $8 billion to expand HMAS Stirling, creating around 3,000 direct jobs. Around a further 3,000 jobs will be generated to support contingency and depot level maintenance of our nuclear-powered submarines at the Henderson Defence Precinct.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
“The Rockingham region is at the forefront of the Albanese Government’s Defence investment in Western Australia, and will play an increasingly critical role in supporting Australia’s AUKUS pathway.
“This work will inform future decisions on delivery of regional transport infrastructure solutions, to ensure that in delivering AUKUS we are also supporting the local community.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources and Member for Brand, Madeleine King:
“As a local, like everyone else, I’ve been caught in the traffic snarls; I see the effects the trucks are having on roads and residents; and I know how important Lake Richmond is to the environment and the community.”
“AUKUS will deliver incredible benefits to Rockingham and beyond, but we also need to ensure the local community is supported with improved roads and transport infrastructure.”
“I will ensure Rockingham gets the road upgrades needed, so the benefits of AUKUS are enjoyed by everyone.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh:
“Rockingham and Perth are set to grow as the Albanese and Cook Labor Government’s AUKUS investments create new jobs, and our infrastructure will be ready to meet that demand.”
“As we expand operations at HMAS Stirling and the number of Defence personnel, these studies and works will ensure the Rockingham community shares in the broader benefits of the AUKUS program.”
“This work builds on work already underway supporting the Rockingham community, including delivering 550 additional homes for our Defence personnel and families.”
