Australia Backs AUKUS Community Plan for Western Australia Submarine Hub

12 November 2026
Edited By: Haley McQueen

Western Australia (WA) is central to national security and the success of AUKUS. The Albanese Government is committed to supporting local communities, ensuring they are informed, engaged, and share in the opportunities associated with this program and the historic investments.

Royal Navy Astute-class submarine, HMS Anson, departs HMAS Stirling following the Submarine Maintenance Period in Western Australia. (Image credit: LSIS Shaun Chatfield, Royal Australian Navy)

In response to the release of the Western Australian Government’s WA AUKUS Community Taskforce Report, the Albanese Government has announced a number of immediate steps for the community in and around HMAS Stirling as it prepares to become the home of Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet and a location for the rotational presence of nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom, under Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West), due to commence by the end of 2027.

The Commonwealth was pleased to participate in the Taskforce, working alongside its Chair and the WA Member for Rockingham, Magenta Marshall MLA.

The Albanese Government supports the Report’s recommendations, many of which align with activities already underway to support Western Australian communities, industry, and workers.

The Government will repurpose $2 million in existing Commonwealth funding to support priority local transport initiatives in the Rockingham area, building on planning and analysis undertaken by Main Roads Western Australia, the Garden Island Transport Network Working Group, and the City of Rockingham, taking forward an important line of effort identified by the WA AUKUS Community Taskforce Report.

Consistent with the Report’s recommendations, the Albanese Government will support the establishment of an AUKUS WA Community Reference Group, in consultation with the WA Government and the local community, bringing together Commonwealth, state, and local government representatives, industry, and community members to support ongoing engagement, transparency, and information sharing as AUKUS implementation progresses.

The Australian Government will also work with the Western Australian Government and the City of Rockingham to develop a Rockingham AUKUS Community Benefits Framework, to help coordinate workforce, skills, and community initiatives associated with AUKUS implementation.

Defense and the Australian Submarine Agency will also expand public information resources, including online resources to deepen understanding of AUKUS activities in Western Australia.

This builds on the opening of the WA Submarine Discovery Center in Rockingham in July 2026. Since opening, the center has welcomed more than 800 visitors and will continue to host regular community information sessions, providing opportunities for residents to engage directly with government representatives and technical experts.

The number of UK and US personnel projected to arrive in Western Australia as part of SRF-West is expected to be around 1,200.

Recognizing this, Defense Housing Australia has been working to expand its footprint in Rockingham, set to grow its portfolio by an additional 92 homes—including townhouses and apartments—in close proximity to HMAS Stirling. These properties will support Australian Defense Force personnel and SRF-West personnel, including their families, in the coming years, adding to long-term local housing supply. These investments build on previous investments delivering live-in accommodation on-site at HMAS Stirling and in the surrounding area.

The Australian Government is committed to working with the Western Australian Government and local governments to maximize the benefits of AUKUS while minimizing impacts on local communities, with ongoing planning and coordination to support local housing, transport, health services, and other critical infrastructure needs.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, said: “The WA Community Taskforce Report provides valuable insights into how we can continue working with the Cook Government and local government and other representatives to support communities in Western Australia.

“AUKUS is already delivering in Western Australia through workforce initiatives, industry opportunities, infrastructure investment, and preparations for Submarine Rotational Force-West.

“We remain committed to working closely with the Western Australian Government, local governments, industry, and communities to maximize the opportunities AUKUS creates for Western Australians.”

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defense Personnel, Matt Keogh, said: “Our Defense Personnel are our greatest capability; it is vital we provide modern, fit-for-purpose housing for Defense members and their families.

“We’re working with Defense Housing Australia to make sure ADF members and Submarine Rotational Force-West personnel, including their families, are given the best opportunity to be integrated into the local community.”

The Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, said: “Rockingham and Kwinana are right at the heart of AUKUS, and it is local people who will see both the opportunities and the changes that come with it.

“That’s why I want our community to have a real say in how AUKUS develops locally, and to make sure the investment coming into our region delivers lasting benefits for the people who live here.

“As a member of the local community, I know there is more to do to support the infrastructure needs of people in Rockingham, and I will continue working to make sure those needs are addressed as our region grows.”