Economic Development Framework

Our Vision for Economic Growth 

The City of Cockburn plays an active, leading, strategic role in building the capacity and capability of the Cockburn economy. 

By leading on economic development, the City of Cockburn creates opportunities for businesses and innovation to thrive, create employment, and ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of our community. 

Our Economic Development Framework is a bold road map to guide this economic transformation. It is designed to harness our region’s unique strengths, anticipate emerging opportunities, and position our community at the forefront of economic innovation, in these four key areas: 

  • Place-based economic development and investment attraction 
  • Development of blue economy and innovation support  
  • Planning for visitor economy 
  • International engagement. 

The City of Cockburn adopted a new Economic Development Framework on 14 May 2024 (updating the plan previously adopted on 8 July 2021). 

Our Key Areas of Focus  

Place-Based Economic Development and Investment Attraction

Cockburn is evolving into a vibrant and growing industrial and commercial epicentre and a major contributor to economic activity and employment in Western Australia.  

The Cockburn economy presently supports nearly 55,000 local jobs, providing almost 30 per cent of the employment opportunities for Perth’s south-west and generating almost $12 billion in regional exports.  

We are home to six major industrial and commercial precincts: 

  • Australian Marine Complex (AMC) 
  • Latitude 32 
  • Bibra Lake Industrial Precinct 
  • Jandakot City 
  • Cockburn Central 
  • Phoenix Business Park. 

The City is now focused on attracting investment and expanding opportunities to develop industry, business and employment within Cockburn’s municipal borders, by: 

  • Establishing robust dialogue, networks and opportunities for commercial growth 
  • Developing a comprehensive investment attraction strategy 
  • Strengthening local retail and employment centres. 
Development of Blue Economy and Innovation Support

Cockburn is a critical centre for Australia’s blue economy and defence sectors.  

The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.  

It encompasses various sectors including marine transport, fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and more. It balances commercial growth in the shipbuilding and defence industry and the protection of the ocean’s ecology. 

With the $15 billion cluster of maritime infrastructure in place at Henderson (including the AMC) and the huge opportunities created within the defence supply change, the City of Cockburn is ideally placed to become a national leader in the blue economy. 

The City of Cockburn is: 

  • Developing the Henderson Innovation and Research Hub 
  • Maximising the capabilities of our ocean-oriented industries 
  • Supporting innovative maritime and defence sector initiatives 
  • Quantifying economic opportunities through detailed analysis 
  • Taking a leading role on communications, stakeholder engagement and advocacy. 

Read more about Cockburn’s commitment to the blue economy

Visitor Economy

The City of Cockburn is Perth’s playground.  

We’re a magnet for families and lifestyle hunters who want to live, work and play here. Cockburn is a place of diverse people, lifestyles and experiences — with everything from pristine beaches and wetlands to theme parks, shopping centres and world-class recreation facilities.  

Our attractions include, but are not limited to: 

  • Coogee Beach (including eco shark barrier) 
  • Adventure World 
  • Cockburn Ice Arena 
  • Aventuur Wave Park (coming soon) 
  • Cockburn ARC 
  • Wally Hagan Basketball Stadium 
  • The Fremantle Football Club 
  • Coogee Maritime Trail, including the Omeo Shipwreck 
  • Ammo Jetty (earmarked for replacement by the State Government) 
  • Woodman Point and the John Graham Recreation Reserve 
  • C.Y. O’Connor Beach 
  • Rottnest Island. 
International Engagement

Two in five Cockburn businesses are keen to trade in the global marketplace, so the City of Cockburn plays an active role in international engagement.  

We are committed to forging strong, mutually beneficial connections with partners — particularly in the Indo-Pacific. 

The City is also committed to opening doors to new markets, attracting investment and skills, building partnerships that drive innovation and create jobs here in Cockburn, and helping local businesses thrive on the global stage. 

Our International Engagement Strategy is focused on: 

  • Developing bilateral trade opportunities 
  • Engaging with key markets, including:  
  • Indonesia (focusing on industry collaboration)  
  • Vietnam (forging new industry partnerships) 
  • Singapore (attracting investment) 
  • Malaysia (emerging blue economy partner) 
  • Facilitating economic exchanges and international connections. 

Our Approach to Economic Development 

Building Capability and Capacity  

The overarching theme of the City’s economic development strategy is about broadening the capabilities and capacities within the Cockburn economy. 

We want to create a sustainable and diverse local economy that attracts increased investment and provides local employment. 

Key Metrics and Accountability 

The City of Cockburn's Business and Economic Development team consistently reports on the progress of its strategies, initiatives, and programs to the City's executives and Elected Members. We measure our success through a variety of key metrics, drawing heavily on Economy ID data.

This includes leveraging the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR), a standardized set of headline economic measures utilised by every local government area in Australia.

Our reporting encompasses employment self-sufficiency and self-containment data, comprehensive economic growth analysis, and transparent annual reporting.

Supporting Local Prosperity 

Cockburn is already a great place to do business.  

By leading on economic development, the City will keep Cockburn’s business and employment opportunities strong decades into the future. 

Our Economic Development Framework will deliver: 

  • Increased investment in the local economy 
  • Local employment opportunities 
  • More innovation and technological advancement 
  • A sustainable and diverse local economy. 

More information and contact

For more information or assistance with International Enagement please contact our Economic Development Officer on (08) 9411 3444 or email [email protected].

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodjar
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

The City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar Boodjar. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to Land, Waters and Culture and pay our respects to Elders, past and present.