The City of Cockburn’s Economic Development team took the City’s investment story to a global audience at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security (IODS) Conference held on 26–28 May, highlighting the region’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, advanced industry and strategic development.
As part of the Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance, the team engaged with industry leaders and investors, positioning the City as a location of choice for future-focused development and collaboration. A key focus of discussions was the pivotal role of the Henderson Research and Innovation Hub (HRIH) in elevating Cockburn’s profile, supporting innovation and capability across marine engineering, advanced manufacturing and defence-related industries.
These opportunities are supported by the City’s strong foundations, with its strategic location, established infrastructure and proximity to key transport networks converging to place Cockburn at the forefront of investment-ready industrial precincts in Western Australia.
Discussions throughout the conference reinforced the long-term nature of defence investment, particularly in shipbuilding and sustainment. International examples from Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom highlighted that these industries support “jobs for life,” providing long-term workforce stability, skills development and intergenerational career pathways.
Broader conversations explored the development of sovereign defence capability including how to better articulate the economic value of defence investment not only at a national and international level, but also at the individual business level. This included recognising the flow-on benefits to adjacent industries and the broader supply chain, creating opportunities beyond shipbuilding alone.
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration across partner nations, including AUKUS and Japan, with a shared focus on strengthening capability and unlocking opportunities across allied economies.
The City of Cockburn’s participation at IODS reflects its growing profile as a strategic location for investment, innovation and industrial capability. As global demand for sovereign defence capability continues to increase, the City is well positioned to leverage these opportunities—supporting industry growth, attracting investment and delivering long-term economic outcomes for the region and Western Australia.
For more information on investment opportunities in Cockburn or to request a copy of the City of Cockburn’s Investment Prospectus, contact the City’s Economic Development team at
[email protected].