The City of Cockburn welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of the selected site and boundary for the Henderson Defence Precinct, and its vital role in providing up to 10,000 jobs to support future generations of local and regional residents.
Mayor Logan Howlett said the announcement was a significant step towards establishing a world-class shipbuilding and sustainment hub and national strategic asset for Australia.
“This defence precinct isn’t just in our backyard, it is our backyard, right here in Cockburn,” Mayor Howlett said.
“Our role as a City Council has always been to ensure local businesses and workers are the ones who will benefit from this generational commitment and the programs and contracts that will shape this region for decades. And we will keep advocating on their behalf as this internationally significant project continues to evolve,” Mayor Howlett said.
Mayor Howlett, CEO Daniel Simms and other City representatives attended a Defence briefing about the defence precinct program at the Naval Capability Centre in Henderson earlier today.
“For Cockburn, the investment represents a major opportunity to grow the local defence industry supply chain,” Mr Simms said.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across manufacturing, engineering, construction, professional services, logistics, technology and training are well placed to participate in the long-term economic opportunities created by the precinct.”
Mayor Howlett emphasised that Defence must continue to work closely with the SME sector as the precinct progressed through concept design and delivery.
“Early, meaningful engagement with local businesses will be critical to ensuring opportunities are accessible to WA companies and that local capability is embedded throughout the defence supply chain,” he said.
“The precinct will also create demand for education, training, housing, transport and other community infrastructure, delivering broader social and economic benefits across Cockburn and surrounding communities.
“This also creates opportunities for the City to continue advocating on behalf of its community including the protection and enhancement of the fragile Cockburn Sound ecosystem, and addressing local housing needs.
Mayor Howlett said Cockburn Council had endorsed its advocacy priorities for 2026-27 including the upgrade of Stock Road and the Rockingham Road freight corridor, upgrades to Cockburn Road and progression of the Rowley Road corridor.
“We will continue to advocate for these important elements of the future transformation of this area, along with the establishment of the Henderson Advanced Research and Innovation Hub, and ongoing funding for coastal erosion management.
“These all play an integral role in the success of the defence precinct and how it will benefit not only the Cockburn community, but the wider Perth, WA and national economies.”
Mayor Howlett said the City looked forward to working with the Australian and WA Governments, Defence, industry, local businesses and community to ensure Henderson Defence Precinct delivered lasting economic benefits while supporting a strong, sustainable and sovereign defence industry in WA.
Read the Australian Government Defence Ministers' 24 August 2026 joint media release on the Australian Government
website.
Image: Henderson Defence Precinct Map. Source: Commonwealth copyright, Australian Department of Defence.