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Westport Community Update September 2024

Catch-up on the latest Westport news in our September community update.

01 October 2024

What we heard: findings from community survey

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts in the Westport Community Survey. We had more than 800 responses between September 2023 and May 2024 and are now sharing the findings.  

When we asked, “What do we need to get right, in planning for Westport?”, the number one theme that emerged was the marine environment, followed by road upgrades and freight rail.   

Your feedback is helping us understand what matters most to you – the survey findings have been shared across the Westport team and will guide our approach as we move forward with the planning for Westport.

Read the findings from the Westport Community Survey: What we heard.

Ports: the backbone of Australia’s economy

Ports Australia’s 2024 State of Trade report highlights how ports are key drivers in not only WA’s economy, but the national economy too.

Australian ports move 99% of Australia’s international trade by volume every year and 62% of this – around 1 billion tonnes – passes through WA’s ports, facilitating more than 203,000 jobs in WA.

Fremantle Ports recorded the highest ever annual volume of container trade for the Fremantle Inner Harbour in 2024, making it clear that WA needs to ensure a reliable and efficient future supply of goods. Container trade will increase as trade increases, making the development of a new port at Kwinana critical for both State and national economic growth.

For a more in-depth breakdown of the State of Trade report, visit Ports Australia website.

Smooth sailing at Perth Boat Show

Thanks to everyone who came and spoke with our team at the Perth Boat Show. We had a great weekend speaking with local recreational boaters and fishers, answering questions, and listening to feedback about the proposed plans for Westport.

We had lots of conversations around project timing, recreational access to Cockburn Sound, environmental protection, supply chain upgrades and heaps of other topics.

We’ll be attending more community events over the coming months, so please come and chat with us, ask your questions in person, and get more information.

Upcoming activities

Community Events

  • Twilight Local Farmers Market – Cockburn
     Wednesday, 16 October – 6pm to 8:30pm
     Coogee Beach Reserve, Coogee
     
  • Rockingham Rotary Market
    Sunday, 27 October – 7am to 12pm
    The Village Green Carpark, Rockingham

Have an idea for where Westport can connect with your local community? Get in touch to let us know via the Westport enquiries email: enquiries@westport.wa.gov.au

Geophysical surveys

Starting in October, we’ll be conducting non-intrusive seabed surveys. This is the next stage in our marine geophysical surveys and builds upon those completed last year.

Geophysical surveying is a low-impact method of mapping the characteristics of the seabed by sending sound waves through the water.  

Understanding what lies beneath the seabed is crucial to refining Westport’s marine infrastructure design and planning for dredging works.

Surveys are expected to be completed in December 2024.

Have you read our Navigate Newsletter?

Navigate is our monthly industry-focused newsletter. This month, Navigate explores the launch of the new Kenwick Intermodal Terminal, our vision for Westport’s urban landscape design, Westport’s role in a WA-first data trial, and more.

Take a look at Navigate.

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