DefenceChris ThomsonTue 26 May 26
WA Calls for Developers to Take on 18ha Rockingham Project
The WA government is on the hunt for an experienced developer capable of fast-tracking homes for a site near the epicentre of the state’s multi-billion-dollar operations under the trilateral AUKUS nuclear submarine pact.
Expressions-of interest have opened to develop the housing precinct on 18ha of state-owned land at Rockingham.
WA Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said AUKUS was driving invesment at Rockingham and that the project was aimed at meeting the growing need for housing in the seaside municipality in Perth’s outer southern suburbs, 47km from the CBD.
Carey said the government was seeking developers capable of fast-tracking high-quality, well-connected homes and amenities for the precinct. This would include options for social and affordable housing.
WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti said AUKUS was driving “unprecedented growth” across the state’s defence industry.
“We’re working with the private sector to deliver more homes for defence personnel and local workers in Rockingham so more Western Australians can make the most of the opportunities these industries will deliver,” she said.
Earlier this month, Rockingham mayor Lorna Buchan told The Urban Developer her municipality needed residential, industrial, office, retirement-living, tourism and hotel developers to keep up with the looming AUKUS demand.
Buchan said the 18ha housing precinct would redevelop former playing fields at Dixon Road into a vibrant, mixed-use precinct.
She said the state-owned site, in the heart of Rockingham, was one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities in the area.
The site is close to South West Metropolitan TAFE and the Rockingham campus of Murdoch University.
Buchan said the project would be “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a strategically located site into a thriving urban village that delivers homes, jobs and great public spaces for our community”.
Within sight of the idyllic beaches of Rockingham, the HMAS Stirling naval base at Garden Island will host one UK and up to four US nuclear submarines under the AUKUS pact as early as next year. The AUKUS submarines will be maintained at Henderson, 17km north of Rockingham.
The call for expressions of interest is due to close on July 3.
