Kwinana’s $4b Westport project referred to EPA ahead of 2032 estimated completion date

Kwinana’s $4 billion Westport project has taken a step forward after being referred for assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency ahead of its estimated 2032 finish date. The new port facilities were referred to the EPA with the request the first environmental impact assessment stage be performed at the highest level. The referral documentation outlines the scope of the project which includes: The final business case for Westport — which will reveal its timing and ultimate price — is due in mid-2024. McGowan’s Government pledged to move the container port to the Kwinana industrial area by 2032 at an estimated cost of around $4 billion. The referral is the first step in the environmental impact assessment process which is expected to take about two years. The EPA should publish Westport’s referral documents in the coming weeks and invite public comment on the level of assessment. A separate referral will be submitted to the EPA by Main Roads for the planned upgrade to Anketell Road, from Leath Road to the Kwinana Freeway, to support freight requirements for the Western Trade Coast and the future port in Kwinana. Peak body, the Kwinana Industries Council director David Harrison welcomed the referral saying it was a “significant milestone” in the development. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and we thank the State Government for moving forward with it,” he said. “The Kwinana Industries Council, which has members operating across the Kwinana Industrial Area and the Western Trade Coast, strongly support the construction of the new outer harbour and associated infrastructure as it will unlock additional economic growth and opportunities for the State’s premier major industrial area.” Transport minister Rita Saffioti said the port was critical to support the future of WA. “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,” she said. “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.”