A free weekday shuttle service has started between Rockingham train station and HMAS Stirling in a bid to ease traffic congestion as personnel take part in a national exercise.

It is intended for use by Defence personnel and construction contractors while major projects on the base continue.

It runs weekdays from 5.45am to 6pm and includes key stops in the HMAS Stirling precinct.

Construction contractors and base personnel will be able to park in a designated fenced area south of Ennis Avenue at Rockingham train station.

It comes after an additional base entry lane was integrated with existing base entry security checkpoints to try to improve traffic flow and reduce queuing on Point Peron Road.

Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall said on social media reducing congestion around HMAS Stirling was a key priority.

She said the service would help make commuting easier, safer and more efficient.

“All levels of government and Defence are working to improve the local road network, and I will continue to advocate for the infrastructure our community needs as AUKUS delivers new opportunities for Rockingham,” Ms Marshall said.

Defence and the Australian Submarine Agency are working with the State Government and City of Rockingham on the planning and delivery of road upgrades across the Rockingham network.

Members of the public were not convinced of the amount of uptake the shuttle service would receive, asking if tradespeople would be willing to carry their equipment on buses.

“Many contractors also come and go multiple times throughout the day, responding to urgent defects and supporting multiple projects across the base,” one comment on social media said.

“The unfortunate reality is that very few contractors will use this service, not because they don’t want to reduce congestion but because their job simply makes it impractical.”

Personnel at HMAS Stirling are taking part in exercise Austral Shield 2026, which runs until July 19 in WA and north Queensland.

Residents have been asked not to be alarmed if they see personnel carrying blank-loaded weapons, simulated reconnaissance and critical asset protection activities, or military vehicles, watercraft, aircraft and small drones during the exercise.

The Australian Defence Force is working with the State Government, cities of Rockingham and Cockburn, WA Police and State emergency services as part of the exercise, which is being held during the day and night.

Director-General Joint Collective Training, Commodore Phillipa Hay, said training together enabled agencies to be more prepared to respond when called upon to protect the community.

“Exercises like Austral Shield ensure the ADF remains ready, agile and integrated, capable of responding to a wide range of contingencies in Australia,” Commodore Hay said.

“Testing our ability to integrate alongside State and Federal agencies will enable us to achieve a whole-of-government approach to crisis response and preparedness, including the protection of critical infrastructure.”