As Australia, the US and the UK’s AUKUS agreement takes shape, Rockingham is already beginning to feel the early ripples — and they are largely positive.
Cutten & Co Real Estate manager and licensee Rebecca Cutten said there were promising signs the trilateral defence pact was helping to fuel demand and development activity across the region. “We are only seeing good things so far,” she said. “With increases in people, we will have increased growth, want and demand for our goods and services here, as well as increased housing demand, which will benefi t us all.”
While it is still early days, Ms Cutten said she had noticed clear changes in investor behaviour and buyer demographics since the AUKUS announcement, especially with defence projects set to ramp up in nearby HMAS Stirling and related facilities. “We have increases in investor activity and a move towards lowmaintenance, easy-care rentals,” she said. “There will be slight shifts in buyers, which will include more defence personnel, skilled workers and their families.” These shifts could have longer-term implications for both property values and rental demand. “Increased population will always increase demand and, in turn, as the demand rises and is possibly not met by supply, the values will rise,” Ms Cutten said. “This is why there is also a push for more development and housing, so the supply can keep up with the demand we will see.”
According to Ms Cutten, one of the most exciting examples of this growth is the new Kennedy Bay estate — a coastal development bringing modern living and masterplanned design to the shores of Port Kennedy. With its mix of residential options, sustainable planning and a prime location, it is already turning heads among buyers seeking lifestyle and liveability close to future employment hubs. Set to arrive in Kennedy Bay next year, Long Point Brewing Co will inject fresh energy into the local scene, adding to Rockingham’s appeal with residents and visitors alike.
While some communities might fear change, Ms Cutten is optimistic that Rockingham will maintain its relaxed coastal identity even as infrastructure and population expand. “I think the increased Government and defence personnel, spending, investment and infrastructure will only benefit us, and we will see more come to our gorgeous and somewhat hidden gem of an area,” she said.
Ms Cutten said Rockingham’s geographic advantage placed it in a unique position to benefit from defence-related investment. “Our proximity being the closest to the naval and defence facilities will see us benefit most from the increases and growth,” she said. The area’s trajectory also mirrors that of other Australian defence adjacent cities. Ms Cutten said the similarities to Townsville, Queensland and Darwin in the Northern Territory included the potential for economic growth supported by defence funding, plus the development of military bases and related industries.
“I can’t wait to see the benefits and to see us thrive with the new changes,” she said. “I am looking forward to more people seeing what we have on offer here, including world-class north-facing beaches and more.” BRYNLEY KINANE
