Cockburn Council Rejects Nuclear-Free Zone Motion, Cites Federal Jurisdiction
The City of Cockburn has decisively rejected a motion from its electors to declare itself a nuclear-free zone and distance itself from the AUKUS security arrangement. At its March 10 meeting, the council voted unanimously to merely note community concerns about nuclear technology and information from Commonwealth agencies, rather than adopting the electors' proposal.
Electors' Motion Overwhelmingly Supported in January
The council's decision follows an annual general meeting of electors on January 29, where residents voted 16-4 in favor of declaring Cockburn a nuclear power-free zone. This motion was presented against the backdrop of the Rockingham and Cockburn communities preparing for the arrival of additional nuclear submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Banjup resident Joshua Last, who championed the motion at the electors' meeting, reminded the council that Cockburn had previously declared itself a nuclear-free zone in 1980. He argued that the council should advocate for issues of concern beyond its direct jurisdiction, questioning why it continues to support international nuclear arms dealers instead of aligning with electors' wishes.
Council Emphasizes Federal Authority and Economic Priorities
In response, City Planning and Sustainability Director Daniel Arndt clarified that the council does not advocate on behalf of arms dealers. He pointed out that over the past 46 years, numerous council decisions have moved beyond the 1980 resolution, reflecting evolving priorities. Arndt stressed that issues related to Australia's defense, including the AUKUS arrangement, fall squarely under federal government jurisdiction.
When Last raised concerns about Cockburn becoming a "nuclear target" or importing "war criminals," Arndt redirected these questions to the Commonwealth government, affirming that the council focuses on the local economic and community impacts of defense activities. Last's response to this stance was a curt "shameful."
Council Report Highlights Lack of Local Authority
A council report recommended against supporting the electors' motion, citing the economic importance of the defense sector and the absence of local government authority over nuclear regulation. The report stated that any local declaration to ban nuclear power or establish a nuclear-free zone carries no statutory force and does not affect state or Commonwealth regulatory frameworks.
It emphasized that the handling, transport, storage, and regulation of nuclear materials are wholly governed by state and federal legislation, with local governments lacking regulatory powers in this field. Therefore, they cannot authorize, restrict, prohibit, or oversee nuclear-related activities.
Economic Development and AUKUS Integration
The council's stance aligns with its economic development strategies. In 2024, Cockburn adopted AUKUS as a key pillar of its economic development action plan, a decision that prompted a special electors' meeting in December. That meeting called on the council to revoke its support and prepare a comprehensive report on all risks and benefits of AUKUS. However, the council subsequently voted to merely note the electors' decision without taking further action.
This economic focus is bolstered by major ongoing shipbuilding programs and a $12 billion upgrade announced for Henderson, which the State Government aims to transform into the largest shipbuilding and maintenance hub in the southern hemisphere. Additionally, city representatives were invited to attend a nuclear reactor during the Indo Pacific international maritime conference in Sydney last November, highlighting ongoing engagement with defense-related initiatives.
Advocacy for Transparency and Accountability
Moving forward, the City of Cockburn has committed to advocating for the Department of Defence and the Australian Submarine Agency to be transparent and accountable regarding plans for any nuclear facility in Henderson. Arndt confirmed that the city will pursue public disclosure of relevant information through letters and in-person discussions with defense agencies, ensuring community concerns are addressed while respecting federal oversight.
This approach underscores the council's balancing act between local elector demands and broader national security and economic interests, firmly positioning nuclear matters outside its jurisdictional purview.
