Key Takeaways
- The city of Rockingham in Perth’s south is becoming a major defence hub and part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership.
- The Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) will see up to five nuclear-powered submarines start rotating through HMAS Stirling for maintenance and repairs starting from 2027.
- The project is expected to bring in jobs and infrastructure spending, but some residents are concerned about the potential risks and impacts on the community.
- Concerns include the possibility of radioactive waste, the effect of an influx of US personnel on local housing and infrastructure, and the potential for the area to become a target for attack.
- The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) is hosting community information sessions to address concerns and provide information about the project.
Introduction to Rockingham
The city of Rockingham in Perth’s south is a popular seaside suburb that is fast becoming a major defence hub. The area is home to the HMAS Stirling naval base, which is connected to Rockingham by a causeway. The base is set to play a crucial role in the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, with plans underway to host up to five nuclear-powered submarines for maintenance and repairs starting from 2027.
Community Concerns
Despite the promises of jobs and infrastructure spending, not all residents are convinced that the project is a good idea. At a recent community information session hosted by the ASA, local mother Latoya Voogt expressed concerns about the potential risks of having nuclear-powered submarines in the area. She asked about the process for informing and evacuating residents in the event of an emergency, and was told that people would receive alerts and information through the police. However, Voogt was unsatisfied with the response and repeated her question, highlighting the concerns of many residents about the potential risks and impacts of the project.
Radiation and Nuclear Waste
Some residents are also concerned about the possibility of radioactive waste and the potential for US Virginia-class submarines to carry nuclear weapons in the future. The ASA has assured residents that small amounts of low-level radiological waste will be safely managed, but some residents remain unconvinced. The possibility of nuclear weapons being carried by submarines visiting Rockingham is also a concern, with some residents worried about the potential risks and impacts on the community.
Impact on Housing and Infrastructure
The influx of up to 1,100 US personnel, including families, is also expected to put pressure on Rockingham’s housing market, traffic congestion, and public infrastructure like schools and hospitals. Defence Housing Australia plans to double the size of its Rockingham property portfolio over the next five years to accommodate some of the personnel, but some residents are concerned about the impact on the community. Rockingham mayor Lorna Buchan acknowledges that the city will face pressure on housing, roads, and community infrastructure, but believes that the benefits of the project will outweigh the costs.
Economic Benefits
Despite the concerns, some residents are optimistic about the potential benefits of the project. Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead estimates that a recent four-week maintenance stopover by the USS Vermont submarine pumped $7 million into the Rockingham community. The AUKUS pact is expected to bring in significant investment and create jobs, with Mayor Buchan noting that for every one defence job, another 1.7 jobs are created to service those defence personnel. However, for some residents like Latoya Voogt, the potential benefits are not enough to outweigh the concerns, and they are considering moving away from the area.
Conclusion
The city of Rockingham is at a crossroads, with the AUKUS project set to bring significant changes to the community. While some residents are optimistic about the potential benefits, others are concerned about the potential risks and impacts. The ASA is working to address these concerns and provide information to the community, but it remains to be seen whether the benefits of the project will outweigh the costs. One thing is certain, however: Rockingham is set to become a major defence hub, and the community will need to adapt to the changes that come with it.