City pens three-year enterprise agreement

City of Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken, CEO Bill Parker and CORE Innovation Hub Director Brodie McCulloch signed the agreement at the Wanneroo Business Association Sundowner in February, which brought together more than 60 local business representatives at the internationally recognised AARP.

The $225,000 agreement with CORE will support the activation of the AARP in the Neerabup Industrial Area.

Spread across 51 hectares the AARP was developed and is managed by DevelopmentWA, the State Government of Western Australia’s land development agency.

The purpose-designed AARP allows local and global companies to enter the automation and robotics global megatrend set to transform entire sectors, with facilities for research and development, testing, training, as well as demonstrating automation, robotics, and zero emissions technology.

City of Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said beyond the strategic and economic returns AARP is expected to deliver for WA – an economic impact assessment placed its potential impact at $608m by 2030 – the City’s support furthers its focus on creating new and direct opportunities for local business and residents.

“AARP’s presence in Neerabup Industrial Area enhances the City’s reputation as a place for innovative and strategic industries to locate, and outcomes will include more opportunities to work closer to home, particularly for those in professional and technical roles,” Mayor Aitken said.

“In the immediate term, the agreement secures exclusive opportunities for City businesses to participate in AARP programs including AARP Start, AARP Community Coffee Series, AARP Sundowner Series and the Global Robotics and Automation Technology Showcase.

“The City of Wanneroo is committed to facilitating the delivery of sustainable economic growth, enhancing social and environmental outcomes and enabling businesses to provide diverse, quality and rewarding local job opportunities. I encourage all local businesses to explore opportunities to engage with this internationally recognised innovation hub in the heart of Neerabup.”

AARP National Robotics and Innovation Lead, Renu Kannu, said the agreement signalled confidence in AARP’s value to the State and its innovation sectors, while recognising the immediate value the facility delivers to local business. 

“CORE is pleased to collaborate with the City of Wanneroo to provide comprehensive support services to local businesses, including tailored, needs-based support for new and existing businesses at the AARP,” Ms Kannu said.

“AARP’s success will contribute to the City’s prosperity through uplift in property values, growth in strategic industries, developing an innovation cluster, and generating strategic employment. We appreciate the City’s three-year investment toward achieving these outcomes.

“From co-working and private office space in a state-of-the-art building, along with access to dedicated testing and development sites and networking and connection events featuring industry relevant guest speakers, the AARP offers connection to an industry led ecosystem and world-class innovation infrastructure. We welcome all local business operators to take advantage of AARP’s many opportunities.” 

For more information on AARP, visit www.theaarp.com.au