Albanese and Cook governments commit $2 million to traffic studies but no improvements around HMAS Stirling

Improvements to the traffic network around Garden Island could still be years away, despite a significant government funding announcement about the need.

The Federal and State governments have committed $2 million to a series of studies investigating HMAS Stirling’s future infrastructure and transport requirements.

In June, the City of Rockingham released the findings of its Cape Peron Transport Study, which found that the local road network was already under significant pressure.

The council study recommended upgrades to pedestrian paths, extra parking at Point Peron, and road improvements to reduce traffic impacts on Parkin Street and Safety Bay Road.

In October, the city asked the Federal Government to help fund an upgrade to the intersection of Safety Bay Road/Hymus Street, Point Peron Road and Parkin Street, and the westward extension of Point Peron Road to the entry of HMAS Stirling.

The city also sought commitments from the Department of Defence, Main Roads WA and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage for feasibility studies to determine the viability of the Garden Island Highway.

The Federal and State governments’ $2m study announcement includes a detailed environmental study, heritage study, and constraint mapping exercise of the Garden Island Highway Proposal.

A third study will focus on options for roads, infrastructure and local transport around HMAS Stirling but there was no money committed to immediate upgrades.

The studies by Main Roads WA will begin in early 2025 and take about 10 months, with findings to be presented to both governments.

Brand MP Madeleine King addressed community concerns that improvements to the road network could be many years away.

“A well-resourced study that takes in the vast array of stakeholders and the local community is a critical step to making the best decisions about traffic flows and road networks,” she said.

“This is imperative so that community concerns over the long term are fully addressed.

“A slap-dash approach to such a significant issue will only end in tears.”

In May this year, Parkin Street residents expressed concern that traffic problems would only get worse after major upgrades to HMAS Stirling as part of the AUKUS pact.

The $8 billion expansion will see an extra 3000 people descending on the area for work over the next decade.

Already, the significant traffic load has caused gas lines on Parkin Street to catch fire, structural damage, destroyed kerbs and burst water mains.

Locals say pedestrians have also become “trapped” due to the lack of safe crossings on Parkin Street.

The City of Rockingham’s study affirmed residents’ views, stating Parkin Street and Safety Bay Road were at capacity and gave the roads a rating of E.

An E rating means the road is “operating at capacity with an unstable flow of traffic”.

Ms King said, as a local, she had also been caught in the traffic snarls.

“I see the effects the trucks are having on roads and residents, and I know how important Lake Richmond is to the environment and the community,” she said.

“AUKUS will deliver incredible benefits to Rockingham and beyond but we also need to ensure the local community is supported with improved roads and transport infrastructure.

“I will ensure Rockingham gets the road upgrades needed, so the benefits of AUKUS are enjoyed by everyone.”

Ms King added that the Navy continues to make its best efforts to improve traffic by having staggered shift starts to relieve pressure.

Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said infrastructure would be ready to meet the demand as AUKUS creates new jobs.

“As we expand operations at HMAS Stirling and the number of Defence personnel, these studies and works will ensure the Rockingham community shares in the broader benefits of the AUKUS program,” he said.

“This work builds on work already under way supporting the Rockingham community, including delivering 550 additional homes for our Defence personnel and families.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the region was at the forefront of the Albanese Government’s Defence investment in WA and “will play an increasingly critical role in supporting Australia’s AUKUS pathway”.

“This work will inform future decisions on delivery of regional transport infrastructure solutions, to ensure that in delivering AUKUS, we are also supporting the local community,” he added.