Lorna Buchan - Mayor of Rockingham

CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATE :

🏊‍♀️ The Aqua Jetty facility is planned to be refurbished and expanded to cater for the City’s population growth, providing a modernised and contemporary facility for the community starting in the next financial year.

The facility will include accessibility improvements throughout, including improvements to the water spaces within the facility to accommodate additional space for swimming programs (hydrotherapy pool, learn to swim pool and water play). Additionally, the facility will include new, relocated and enhanced dry side spaces (gymnasium, group fitness rooms, crèche, café, etc.) and refurbished and new changing spaces to service all areas within the facility.

The Aqua Jetty Stage Two project in line with the Council resolution is currently in the re-design phase with the proposed construction phase to commence in 2026/2027. Tender process is estimated to begin by the end of 2026.

Approx $40.8m is set aside in the 10 year business plan for the redevelopment.

(We went to market for the redevelopment in 2023 however the tender prices were too high so we needed to rethink the design of the redevelopment and put more money aside in preparation.)

We would ideally have the redevelopment finished by now however to keep rates increases manageable we decided to delay the project, to save and go again with the new design and procurement this year.

The State Government has committed $10m grant towards the project.

I was honoured to attend the official opening of the new ACRU Therapy Garden at Rockingham General Hospital this week.

This beautiful space is a practical rehabilitation area designed to help older patients regain confidence, mobility and independence in a calm, welcoming environment.

It was inspiring to hear how this project came together through years of planning, fundraising and community support from staff, volunteers, donors, local businesses and families. A special acknowledgement to the late Lauren Prothero, whose vision for a rehabilitation garden will now continue helping patients every day.

Thank you to Dr Asheila Narang, the ACRU team, the Rockingham Auxiliary, the Prothero family and everyone involved in creating such a meaningful space for our community. 💚

⚓️ 🫡 On today! Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the causeway? Behind the scenes bus tours are part of todays event.

Join us this Saturday as we celebrate 125 years of Australia’s Navy with interactive displays, great food, live music and rare behind‑the‑scenes base tours — no tickets needed and open to everyone!

Meet the amazing people who keep HMAS Stirling running and see their work up close.
Catch a Royal Australian Air Force PC‑21 flyover and check out an Australian Army armoured personnel carrier on display.

🚗 Parking: Limited parking at the L & S Recreation Centre – opposite the HMAS Stirling front gate.
📅 Date: 9 May 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
📍 Location: Rockingham Naval Association, Point Peron Rd, Peron WA 6168

We’re planning for the future development of facilities at the Safety Bay Foreshore and we want to hear from you. 🌊

The project includes the development of a community facility and a complementary commercial space to replace the existing Safety Bay Yacht Club, with improved parking and landscaping also proposed.

You can get involved by using the link below to:
• Share your thoughts online via our survey, or
• register to attend one of the upcoming community workshops.

Let’s work together to create a place the whole community can be proud of.

https://yourthoughts.rockingham.wa.gov.au/safety-bay-foreshore-community-facility-development

There’s something special about being part of a community you also call home. Living just two minutes from our local surf club, I see firsthand the dedication, early mornings, and teamwork that go into keeping our beaches safe. I swim there and appreciate your community service.

It was a real pleasure to attend the Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Clubs awards night and celebrate the incredible volunteers, lifesavers, and members who give so much of their time to others. From our young nippers through to our experienced patrol members, each person plays a role in building a strong, connected, and safe coastal community.

Thank you for everything you do not just during the season, but all year round. I’m proud to be your neighbour and even prouder to support such an outstanding club.

Congratulations to all the award winners and nominees 👏