AUKUS Community Taskforce recommendations supported
The WA Government has released its response to the AUKUS Community Taskforce report and supports all 47 recommendations aimed at helping Rockingham and surrounding communities prepare for AUKUS-related growth.
Chaired by Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall, the AUKUS Community Taskforce was established to engage with the Rockingham community on local needs and opportunities associated with AUKUS, and to identify ways local communities can benefit from the program's delivery in Western Australia.
The report is the culmination of that work, capturing community views and highlighting strong support for the jobs, skills and investment opportunities AUKUS presents, alongside the need for co-ordinated planning, clear communication and timely investment to ensure local communities are well placed to benefit from future growth.
The recommendations build on significant work already underway across housing, health, community services, roads and public transport. They provide a roadmap to help inform to strengthen community readiness, support co-ordinated planning and help ensure communities benefit from future growth.
The WA Government is already progressing initiatives that align with these recommendations, including a $10 million commitment for final planning, design and approvals for the delivery of METRONET Karnup Station; $1 million to undertake master planning for Rockingham General Hospital; $5 million to expand electrical training capacity at Rockingham TAFE; $3 million for the Career Taster Program for defence industries; and $3 million for lighting upgrades at Lark Hill Sportsplex.
The WA Government also supports improved road connectivity in Rockingham, with Main Roads WA progressing the Garden Island Transport Network Improvement Action Plan.
The WA Government will continue to work with the Federal Government, local government, industry and community stakeholders to further translate the recommendations into action and help the community maximise the long-term benefits of AUKUS.
The AUKUS Community Taskforce report and WA Government response is available here: wa.gov.au/AUKUS-Taskforce
