What made the news in Cockburn – 12-19 December 2025

Friday 19 December:
The State Government has awarded a $66 million contract to Henderson-based shipbuilding company, Echo Marine Group, to design and construct five new electric ferries as part of the Metronet on Swan Ferry Expansion project.

Austal Limited is pleased to announce that Austal Ships Pty Ltd has been awarded a further contract extension for the construction of two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Australian Border Force (ABF). 

Thursday 18 December:
A $1.03b Federal Government contract has confirmed Henderson shipbuilder Austal as the builder of new medium-sized landing craft for the Australian Army.

A 4.5km nature trail known as the Beeliar Woodland Walks has risen triumphantly from the ruins of bushland destroyed during clearing for the now-defunct Roe 8 corridor. See page 21 of Bushland News (DBCA Parks and Wildlife Service).

A sailing club aiming to support veterans’ mental health has the wind in its sails after Cockburn Council changed tack on sponsorship.

Petitions to the City of Cockburn will now go to the council rather than being delegated to city staff.

The City of Cockburn will not change its fox control program despite claims native fauna is being decimated. Instead, it wants to wait for the results of a study of the fox population. 

Monday 15 December:
Nominations for the annual Cockburn Volunteer Awards are open until Monday 16 February 2026.
Nominate that incredible person or organisation you know who selflessly volunteers to make our community better. The 2026 awards will be announced at a presentation on Saturday 23 May. Submit your nomination on our website.

Saturday 13 December:
Concerns are emerging over complications and possible delays to a Japanese warship construction program at Henderson after a South Korean company was given permission to double its stake in West Australian shipbuilder Austal.