The AUKUS Community Taskforce (the Taskforce) has been established to engage with communities in Rockingham on key matters critical to the delivery of the AUKUS program in that area. The Taskforce will develop recommendations on how the Rockingham community can be supported to be ready for, and benefit from, WA’s role in the AUKUS program.
What will the Taskforce do?
The Taskforce will focus on local community priorities and opportunities in Rockingham related to AUKUS implementation, including:
- local road and transport infrastructure
- housing
- education
- health services and community assets
- service capacity to support Australian and allied defence personnel, their families, and local residents
The Taskforce will run for six months, reporting on its findings to the WA Government in late 2026.
Who is on the Taskforce?
The Taskforce will include representatives from local government, key state and federal government agencies, community organisations and industry.
Members of the Taskforce include:
- Mrs Magenta Marshall MLA, Member for Rockingham – Chair
- Department of the Premier and Cabinet – Deputy Chair
WA Government agencies
- Defence West
- South Metropolitan Health Service
- The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (Public Transport Authority and Main Roads WA)
- The Department of Education
- The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage
Other members
- Mrs Madeleine King MP, Member for Brand (or their representative)
- Gnaala Karla Boodja Aboriginal Corporation
- Mayor of the City of Rockingham (or their representative)
- CEO of the City of Rockingham (or their representative)
- Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce
- Australian Submarine Agency
- Department of Defence
The Taskforce will be supported by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Why do we need a Taskforce for Rockingham?
Western Australia plays a key role in Australia’s AUKUS partnership, with defence infrastructure in Perth’s south positioning the State at the forefront of this national project. Upgrades are already underway at HMAS Stirling to prepare for the Submarine Rotation Force – West, which will see a rotational presence of UK and US nuclear‑powered submarines from as early as 2027. This will bring an estimated 1,100 US and UK defence personnel, and their families, to the Rockingham and nearby areas.
These activities will generate significant opportunities for local communities engaged both directly and indirectly in the AUKUS program, and the service of the new industry and community coming to the area.
Have your say
To help the Taskforce consider public views, a survey on AUKUS community impacts and opportunities is open for responses until 5pm (AWST), Tuesday 3 March 2026.
Residents, business owners, and visitors to Rockingham and nearby areas are invited to have their say through the survey. Further information is available at the link below.
AUKUS Community Taskforce Survey
Alternatively, you can respond to the survey by printing it and sending it to:
AUKUS Community Taskforce, Locked Bag 3001 WEST PERTH WA 6872.
Frequently asked questions
What is AUKUS?
Show moreAUKUS is a trilateral partnership formed in 2021 between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States for the development and delivery of nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines and collaborative research and development of advanced technologies.
What is Western Australia’s role in AUKUS?
Show moreWestern Australia is central to Australia’s implementation of the AUKUS partnership. HMAS Stirling naval base on Garden Island will be the homeport for the submarines while Henderson Defence Precinct will be established at the site of the Australian Marine Complex to support a maintenance hub for submarine sustainment and naval shipbuilding activities.
These activities will generate significant opportunities for local communities engaged both directly and indirectly in the AUKUS program and the service of the new industry and community coming to the area.
What is happening in Rockingham under AUKUS?
Show moreUnder the AUKUS program, Western Australia will be home to the rotational presence of UK and US conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines from as early as 2027. The submarines will be based at the HMAS Stirling naval base at Garden Island. This rotational presence of allied US and UK submarines is known as Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West).
To support SRF-West, the Commonwealth Government has committed to invest up to $8 billion in infrastructure to enable SRF-West from 2027 and to operate Australia’s own Virginia class conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s, creating around 3,000 direct jobs, in addition to investments in the State’s industrial base and workers.
How will the AUKUS Community Taskforce consider community issues?
Show moreThe AUKUS Community Taskforce will use a number of avenues to listen to and consider community issues, including:
- A survey to understand views in relation to AUKUS. Results of the survey will inform the Taskforce’s priorities and reporting to Government.
- Direct engagement between the Chair of the Taskforce and representatives of organisations representing Rockingham community, industry and other relevant stakeholder groups.
What infrastructure works will be happening in Rockingham and Cockburn Sound area to support AUKUS?
Show moreIn the lead up to Submarine Rotational Force West, infrastructure works are underway at HMAS Stirling to deliver a range of facilities to support Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability.
These include operational berths for nuclear-powered submarines on the existing Diamantina pier, enhanced emergency preparedness and response capabilities, reliable shore power, a Controlled Industrial Facility for servicing of submarine components and temporary storage of low-level radioactive waste materials, and a purpose built training centre.
In addition, the program will deliver a base-wide uplift to physical security, ensuring HMAS Stirling is equipped to meet future requirements.
Where can I learn more about AUKUS activities in WA?
Show moreFor more information on plans for AUKUS activities in Western Australia, please refer to the following resources:
Submarine Rotational Force – West Infrastructure Project
Submarines in Western Australia - Australian Submarine Agency
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