Cities hold ‘positive’ gateway discussion

Representatives from the Rockingham and Kwinana local governments met earlier this month to discuss the latter’s Indian Ocean Gateway proposal, the Telegraph can reveal.

The plan was first launched in 2015 and advocates for a new port in Kwinana, with the use of Anketell and Rowley roads as freight transport links.

The City of Rockingham was initially dismissive of the City of Kwinana’s proposal, calling it an “aspirational marketing pamphlet” in September 2015.

However, Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the latest meeting of the cities was positive.

“Discussion was focused on the road and freight network in the southern corridor — it was a positive and co-operative meeting,” she said.

“The City of Rockingham is supportive of the outer harbour as a significant new infrastructure project that will help with trade training and employment opportunities. “It was pleasing that both councils were of the view that we need to ensure the overall strategic planning framework is right.”

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the City had not yet received the revised proposal for assessment.

“The City of Rockingham has a policy position to support the commencement of planning for the outer harbour and that the South West Group leads the engagement process with Government,” he said. “It was noted the revised proposal did not include the reinstatement of the Kwinana Loop Freight Railway, which is obviously welcomed by the City.”

The new Labor Government supports an outer harbour in Kwinana, with Premier Mark McGowan pledging $20 million for the project’s planning in the lead-up to the State election.