The City of Cockburn has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of the selected site and boundary for its proposed Henderson Defence Precinct.
Mayor, Logan Howlett said the announcement was a significant step towards establishing a world-class shipbuilding and sustainment hub and national strategic asset for Australia.
“This defence precinct isn’t just in our backyard, it is our backyard, right here in Cockburn,” Mayor Howlett said.
“Our role as a City Council has always been to ensure local businesses and workers are the ones who will benefit from this generational commitment and the programs and contracts that will shape this region for decades. And we will keep advocating on their behalf as this internationally significant project continues to evolve,” Mayor Howlett said.
The Henderson site is where critical maritime capabilities for the Australian Defence Force will be built, including Navy’s future general purpose frigates and Army’s Landing Craft.
The Federal Government says the selection of the site has been informed by technical analysis and thorough engagement between the Albanese and Cook Governments, local industry and workers, traditional owners, and local community groups.
It’s expected the new precinct will generate up to 10,000 jobs, supporting future generations of local and regional residents.
“This is great for Western Australia and great for local jobs,” said Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese during a visit to the site on Monday.
“AUKUS is full steam ahead and we are proud to deliver this milestone today alongside our partner, the Cook Government.”
Minister for Defence, Richard Marles said the selection of the site was a major step towards establishing a world-class sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment hub in the state.
“This decision allows the next phase of planning and development of the precinct to progress at pace, so we can deliver the infrastructure needed to support continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in the West, and develop the capability to own, operate and sustain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines,” said Mr Marles.
“All of this is critical to strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base, supporting thousands of local jobs, and delivering the maritime capabilities needed to keep Australians safe.”
Mayor Howlett; Council CEO, Daniel Simms and other City representatives attended a Defence briefing about the defence precinct program at the Naval Capability Centre in Henderson on Tuesday.
“For Cockburn, the investment represents a major opportunity to grow the local defence industry supply chain,” Mr Simms said.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across manufacturing, engineering, construction, professional services, logistics, technology and training are well placed to participate in the long-term economic opportunities created by the precinct.”
Mayor Howlett said Defence must continue to work closely with the SME sector as the precinct progressed through concept design and delivery.
“Early, meaningful engagement with local businesses will be critical to ensuring opportunities are accessible to WA companies and that local capability is embedded throughout the defence supply chain,” he said.
“The precinct will also create demand for education, training, housing, transport and other community infrastructure, delivering broader social and economic benefits across Cockburn and surrounding communities.
“This also creates opportunities for the City to continue advocating on behalf of its community including the protection and enhancement of the fragile Cockburn Sound ecosystem, and addressing local housing needs.”
Mayor Howlett said the Council had endorsed its advocacy priorities for 2026-27, including the upgrade of Stock Road and the Rockingham Road freight corridor, upgrades to Cockburn Road and progression of the Rowley Road corridor in support of the area.
“We will continue to advocate for these important elements of the future transformation of this area, along with the establishment of the Henderson Advanced Research and Innovation Hub, and ongoing funding for coastal erosion management,” he said.
“These all play an integral role in the success of the defence precinct and how it will benefit not only the Cockburn community, but the wider Perth, WA and national economies.”
Mayor Howlett said Council looked forward to working with the Australian and WA Governments, Defence, industry, local businesses and community to ensure Henderson Defence Precinct delivered lasting economic benefits while supporting a strong, sustainable and sovereign defence industry in WA.
