Westport environmental assessment process underway

• The new port facilities in Kwinana have been referred to the EPA
• Referral is the first stage of environmental impact assessment and will determine the level of assessment
• Westport is requesting the highest level of environmental assessment

Westport has reached another significant milestone with the proposed marine and landside port infrastructure within the Kwinana Industrial Area referred to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to determine the level of environmental assessment.

Westport's referral documentation outlines the scope of the proposal, which includes:

• port facilities, comprising an area of reclaimed land in Cockburn Sound and connections to road and rail infrastructure in the Kwinana Industrial Area;
• a shipping channel into Cockburn Sound to accommodate larger container vessels expected in the future; and
• an offshore breakwater required to protect ships berthed at the proposed terminal.

Referral marks the first step in the environmental impact assessment process which is expected to take around two years. The EPA is anticipated to publish Westport's referral document in the coming weeks and invite public comment on the level of assessment.

Given the significance of the project to the State, the importance of the environmental values in Cockburn Sound and the scale of the infrastructure, Westport is requesting the EPA to undertake the highest level of assessment - Public Environmental Review.

It is anticipated that Westport's Public Environmental Review documentation will be made available for public comment in 2025.

Main Roads will submit a separate referral to the EPA for upgrading Anketell Road, from Leath Road to the Kwinana Freeway, to support freight requirements for the Western Trade Coast and the future port in Kwinana.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Westport's referral of the proposed marine infrastructure to the EPA is a significant milestone towards the long-term development of WA's new container port, which is critical to support the future of WA. 

"Given the significance of Cockburn Sound for the environment and recreational values, Westport has requested the EPA apply the highest level of environmental assessment to the proposal.

"The Government's $13.5 million partnership with the WA Marine Science Institution is providing the most up-to-date marine science needed for Westport to deliver a robust environmental impact assessment, and has informed important decisions around infrastructure design to minimise environmental impact to the greatest extent possible.

"Westport continues to engage industry and the community, along with leading experts in engineering, marine science, sustainability, and transport, to plan for a sustainable and efficient new port for Westport Australia."