Marine Geotechnical Investigations
To support the next stage of detailed design planning for Westport, we are conducting marine geotechnical investigations of Westport’s proposed development area. This includes the footprint of the port terminal in Cockburn Sound and shipping channel to the north.
The investigations involve drilling below the seabed to collect soil and rock samples of the project area. Understanding the geological conditions is essential to further refine the design of the marine infrastructure for future construction.
The investigations are being carried out from two jack-up barges, which will move progressively through the area over the next 12 months.
A marine vessel will also be in the area for two weeks in late July to early August to carry out cone penetration testing. This involves pushing a probe into the seabed to measure soil resistance. The vessel will operate 24 hours a day during this period to complete the work efficiently.
The investigations are being coordinated with Fremantle Ports and will have minimal impact on existing commercial and recreational activities. However, there will be a buffer zone of approximately 50m applied around the survey operations to ensure the safety of works and other water users.
All activities avoid seagrass meadows and follow strict environmental management plans.
Click here for information and FAQs
Share your thoughts: Westport's artificial reef feasibility study
Thank you to everyone who has already provided feedback on Westport’s artificial reef feasibility study. Your input is helping us assess the community’s views on the potential benefits, concerns, and opportunities surrounding the installation of new artificial reefs in and around Cockburn Sound.
We are seeking input from anyone who has an interest in the marine environment or recreation in Cockburn Sound, so please share this with your networks. Your feedback will help us understand the community’s wishes and ensure this work delivers shared value and benefits. The survey is open until 19 September 2025.
More information about the study and artificial reefs can be found here.
Latest WAMSI Report: Mapping the distribution and life stages of key species in Cockburn Sound
Understanding the importance of Cockburn Sound as a hatchery for key fish and invertebrates, and how they connect with stock in nearby waters, is critical to developing mitigation strategies to protect these species during the development of the new port facilities.
This research project, which included wide consultation with scientific experts and industry, identified a suite of fish and invertebrate species that are most important to Cockburn Sound and/or potentially at risk from development.
The project mapped the key habitat types for 24 groups, the environmental factors that impact their distribution and development, and investigated methods for long‐term monitoring of the abundance of adult snapper in spawning aggregations.
A two-year comprehensive sampling program was undertaken and included a broad range of survey methods like trawls, seines, bongo nets, light traps, BRUV, acoustics, drones, crab traps and squid jigging, from waters around Perth down to Rockingham.
This project has substantially increased knowledge of Cockburn Sounds’ biodiversity and resulted in one of the most comprehensive fish and invertebrate datasets available for any marine area in WA.
Come and chat to us
Have questions about Westport? Please come and chat with our community engagement team at our next casual drop-in information session:
Cockburn Gateway:
- Sunday 27 July, 11am-2pm
- Find us opposite The Athletes Foot (near Coles)
