City of Cockburn Council has applauded the Federal Government’s commitment to establish a Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct at Henderson, creating 10,000 jobs over the next two decades.
The Henderson Defence Precinct will be home to depot-level maintenance and contingency docking for Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
Mayor, Logan Howlett said the announcement was historic for Cockburn, and would enable Henderson to fulfil its potential as the state’s premier shipbuilding and maritime precinct.
“This announcement echoes the City’s advocacy for a dry dock in Henderson, with a Cooperation Agreement between the Federal and State Governments enabling the establishment of necessary infrastructure, including common user facilities, to support industry across the Defence Precinct,” Mayor Howlett said.
“This will enable Henderson to meet the demands of the AUKUS submarine pathway which will transform our community across several decades.
“As part of our Economic Development Framework, our City supports AUKUS and the benefits it brings to Cockburn including jobs, infrastructure, investment and growth for our residents and business community.
“AUKUS has already increased the opportunity for local businesses to develop a defence supply chain of hundreds of businesses which will provide export opportunities for everyone involved.
“But this announcement is great for all of Cockburn and its industries, not just defence.”
The Mayor said improved infrastructure and facilities will enable the servicing and maintenance of larger more complex vessels, not only in the defence sector but also commercial vessels, while ancillary support industries (food/accommodation/retail) will benefit from the increased workforce.
“We are optimistic it will unleash a raft of training opportunities in fields such as analytics and robotics and other related trade-oriented courses with further alignment to AUKUS Pillar II technologies, and will hopefully also serve as a catalyst for expansion of local study options at TAFE,” he said.
“This is in keeping with Cockburn Council’s 2023 endorsement of an innovation hub in Henderson which will focus on maritime, defence and AUKUS Pillar II.
“The multiplier effects will be far-reaching and as a City, we are determined to help support our community adjust to the changes ahead as we prepare for the arrival of US submarines in WA in 2027, with their maintenance relying on expertise and facilities not only in Henderson but the wider Cockburn area.
“Insights from the City’s representation at a recent 12-day mission to the US with the Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance are invaluable as we prepare for the dynamic future ahead where everything from employment and training opportunities to housing and transport will be impacted.”
Announcing the Precinct, Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese described it as a “game changer” for WA industry.
“Henderson already plays a critical role in the delivery and sustainment of Australian Defence Force capabilities and this will see the important role of WA industry grow further,” said the PM.
Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles said the new Defence Precinct will optimise Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment industry while supporting continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine pathway.
“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in the growth of a productive and resilient defence industry and workforce to keep our nation safe and deliver a future made in Australia – which is exactly what the Defence Precinct will deliver,” said Mr Marles.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy said successful consolidation of the precinct will secure decades of continuous shipbuilding in Western Australia, providing generational benefits for locals who play a vital role in keeping Australia safe.
“This investment by the Albanese Government will not only create thousands of high-skilled and well paid jobs in Western Australia but also ensures a future made in Australia,” said Mr Conroy.
