A business plan outlining a City of Cockburn concept to develop a research and innovation hub to support development of blue economy-focused businesses in Henderson has been endorsed by Council.
Council endorsed the business plan at its Ordinary Meeting on 10 November. The plan will now be advertised for public comment.
Following the comment period, a report addressing public submissions received will be presented to Council for consideration.
The City proposal has had Council support since 2022. The Henderson Research and Innovation Hub (HRIH) proposal aims to establish a facility where innovators, researchers, training organisations and industries working in ocean sustainability and defence can develop and collaborate on new ideas, products and services in one location.
Perth-based consultant Vescient has independently reviewed the HRIH proposal and prepared a business plan which concluded it was a strategically and commercially sound concept.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said Council had moved to endorse advertisement of the business case to further qualify and quantify a concept that had gained the support of numerous local blue economy industries and businesses.
“These include Curtin University, The University of Western Australia Oceans Institute, Babcock International Group, Global Coating Systems, Hyperion Systems and Trident Australia,” Mayor Howlett said.
“This next step will help define if and how we can progress from an aspirational concept to a physical facility.
“We are committed to promoting job creation in Cockburn as the Henderson precinct develops into a significant international defence and maritime location.”
More than 80 per cent of stakeholders interviewed during the Vescient review indicated they were interested, likely to proceed or ready to commit to the project, subject to agreeing to lease and operation terms.