The South West Group’s primary role is to identify and undertake projects and activities that facilitate economic development of the South West Metropolitan Region. This is achieved in collaboration with member Councils and other regional stakeholders in order to establish partnerships aimed at garnering support and maximising opportunities for success.
The release of the Federal Government’s Defence White Paper and announcements on expanded Defence procurement and sustainment investment in the 2016/17 budget and forward estimates has major implications for the region, particularly given the largest naval base at HMAS Stirling (Garden Island) in Rockingham and the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson are located in the region. This paper examines the level of expected investment and likely jobs expected to flow into the South West Metropolitan Region and the key industries taking lead roles in providing the required capability to undertake this work.