The City is a major contributor to the economic activity of the region and its economic profile reflects its strong position.
The City of Cockburn's Gross Regional Product is estimated at $7.72 billion, which represents 3.02% of the state's GSP (Gross State Product).
There are currently over 8,500 local businesses, 55,000 local jobs and 61,000 residents employed across a range of industries and sectors in the City of Cockburn. In 2018/19, the City of Cockburn contributed 4.1% of Western Australia’s employment.
Industrial
Cockburn industries provide about 30 per cent of the employment for the south west area of Perth. This area includes the cities of Fremantle, Kwinana, Melville and Rockingham and the Town of East Fremantle. Cockburn industries generate almost $6 billion in domestic and international exports.
Residential
Over the last 10 years, local jobs have almost tripled. 30 per cent of local jobs are concentrated in the City’s commercial parks in Bibra Lake, Phoenix and Cockburn Central. These areas employ almost 18,000 people combined. There has also been a large period of growth within the Henderson Industrial area, which is also home to the Australian Marine Complex - where over 6,000 workers are located.
The top three occupations for Cockburn residents are:
- Technicians and trade workers (22.3 percent)
- Professionals (14 percent)
- Clerical and administrative workers (12.9 percent).
Local employment
The top five industries in Cockburn make up nearly 60 per cent of jobs in the local area. They are:
- Manufacturing (17.6 percent)
- Construction (15.4 percent)
- Retail trade (11.4 percent)
- Healthcare and social assistance (7.1 percent)
- Education and Training (6.7 percent)
Economy ID
The City's economic analysis toolkit gives in-depth and interactive information on economic activity in the City and compares Cockburn’s performance with other local governments, the wider Perth region and the state. For more information, please visit Economy ID opens in a new window.
The City’s strong economic performance is the result of 25 years of rapid greenfield residential and industrial development which is now slowing down. Future growth will be shaped by infill and revitalisation projects, and the City is developing an Economic Development Strategy to support this transition.
For more information on the City's integrated approach to planning, please download the Economic Development Directions Strategy below.
Advocacy groups
The City of Cockburn supports a range of advocacy activities within Western Australia and nationally.
The South West Group
The South West Group opens in a new window South West Group represents one of the fastest growing regions of Perth. This includes the cities of Cockburn, Fremantle, Melville, Kwinana and Rockingham and the Town of East Fremantle. The South West Group promotes sustainable economic growth and development and lifestyle opportunities for the communities of the region.
The South West Group partners and collaborates with State and Federal Government, industry, business and community on activities that benefit and facilitate further economic development in the South West Metropolitan Region. The Vision for South West Metropolitan Region is to be the “Economic Gateway to the West.”
A Board manages the South West Group and includes the Mayors and CEO's of its member local governments.
National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA)
The National Growth Areas Alliance advocates at the Federal Government level for a stronger focus on the needs of Australia’s fast-growing outer suburbs, currently home to 5 million people. The City of Cockburn is a member, alongside 6 other WA Councils. The Alliance’s member councils are calling for dedicated funding for critical infrastructure and services for outer growth areas, and for all levels of government to commit to assisting outer suburbs reach their full potential. For more information visit ngaa.org.au opens in a new window
Growth Areas Perth and Peel (GAPP)
Growth Areas Perth and Peel (GAPP) aims to improve the livability and desirability of Perth's outer metropolitan communities through the development of a dedicated special purpose fund for sport and recreation facilities. GAPP consists of 11 outer metropolitan Perth councils who advocate for public open space and much needed local sporting facilities. The aim of GAPP is to develop a federal funding model to help deliver local sports facilities to their local communities by 2025. To find out which other councils are part of GAPP and the projects they are advocating for go to
gapp.org.au.