Fishing and Recreation

Access to Cockburn Sound

Westport’s preferred design includes a reclamation area for the port terminal and a breakwater. While there would likely be no recreational access between the terminal and breakwater, the surrounding waters outside of the port footprint will remain accessible for fishing, boating and other recreation.

Access to the Naval Base horse beach

The location of the proposed port facilities is approximately between the end of Barter Road and the end of Mason Road in Kwinana. This will directly impact the Naval Base horse beach at the end of Riseley Road.

We understand the horse beach is a popular location predominantly for the horse-riding community but is also used for other activities such as diving, fishing and dog walking.

To facilitate the new port facilities at this location, unfortunately public access to the Naval Base horse beach will eventually cease. The timing for this closure has not yet been determined.

Early engagement with the horse beach community is underway to understand what needs to be considered as planning for Westport progresses and we will continue to work closely with this impacted community.

Westport recognises that Cockburn Sound is a popular fishing location. Key activities to protect and enhance fishing in the Sound include:

• The WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program includes a Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. This research is helping us to understand and plan to minimise impacts to fish species and their habitat in the Sound.
• Planning to support healthy marine conditions during construction through activities like staged dredging, shut-down periods and water quality monitoring to reduce impacts on seagrass and marine species.

All reports from the WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program are being published following a rigorous peer review process. Our Science Reports page lists all published reports with a summary of key findings and what they mean for Westport. Remaining reports are on-track to be completed by the end of 2024 and made publicly available by early 2025.

Like other ports around the world, recreational and competitive sailing will continue to co-exist with port operations.

Race events in the Inner and Outer harbours are currently managed by the Fremantle Port’s Harbour Master and monitored in real time.

Racing safety and communications will continue to be assessed annually by Fremantle Ports in collaboration with Yachting Australia.

Westport is working closely with Fremantle Ports in the planning for new infrastructure in Kwinana and will continue to do so through the definition and construction phase.

Will I still be able to fish in Cockburn Sound?  

Yes. Access to Cockburn Sound for recreational fishing will continue and Westport is exploring new community amenities.   

Westport’s preferred design includes a reclamation area for the container terminal and a breakwater. While there would likely be no recreational access between the terminal and breakwater, the surrounding waters outside of the port footprint will remain accessible for fishing, boating and other recreation.

How will Westport manage impacts to Cockburn Sound? 

The construction and operation of new port facilities in Cockburn Sound will have some impact to the local environment. We are using a science-based approach to understand potential impacts and opportunities of the port development.

When assessing the shortlist of port design options, the environmental impacts of each design was a key consideration. The preferred design offered the lowest environmental impact for Cockburn Sound, including the lowest dredging footprint, and includes planning for further mitigation and restoration activities. The preferred design has no direct impact on existing seagrass meadows in Cockburn Sound.  

Westport has partnered with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) to deliver a comprehensive $13.5 million research program giving us the most extensive understanding of the Cockburn Sound ecosystem and marine life we have ever had. The research Program was developed to address knowledge gaps and define baseline environmental conditions, improving Westport’s ability to avoid, minimise, rehabilitate, and offset environmental impacts and increase Government’s ability to manage other pressures acting on Cockburn Sound into the future. 

What are the expected impacts to seagrass in Cockburn Sound?  

The port footprint avoids existing seagrass meadows in Cockburn Sound. The channel footprint, which runs through Gage Roads, Owen Anchorage and the Deep Water Channel, is estimated to impact 1.5% of the total seagrass across those 3 marine zones. 

We recognise that seagrass can be impacted by dredging. Through the WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program, research has been undertaken to better understand conditions required for healthy seagrass. Activities to reduce impacts, such as staged dredging and water quality monitoring are being considered as part of the dredge program planning, which is still underway.  

What are the expected impacts to snapper and fish species in Cockburn Sound?  

Seagrass beds are critical habitat for many fish species. In Cockburn Sound this includes snapper, whiting, and blue swimmer crabs.

Through the WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program and our stakeholder consultation process, Westport is engaging with the local recreational fishing community to identify ways to support healthy fish stocks and habitats. 

Why is the offshore breakwater necessary? 

A breakwater is required to protect ships accessing the port facilities from disruption by wave energy.

As the project moves into the detailed design phase, it is expected there will be additional refinements to the proposed breakwater, and we will be exploring how the breakwater may support marine habitat.

When will the port be ready? 

It is expected the new port facilities and supply chain will need to be operational by the late 2030s. We know it will take at least a decade to build.

Westport is currently developing the business case for the new port facilities and supply chain, which will be submitted to Government by mid-2024 for review and a funding decision. The project will then move into detailed design followed by construction.

The environmental impact assessment process for the proposed marine and landside port infrastructure has commenced. The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority will undertake the highest level of assessment for the proposal. This two-year process will include a Public Environmental Review stage, where the community can provide feedback.

Westport is a long-term project and we are still in the early stages. There will be many opportunities for engagement over the coming years, including direct feedback to us, and consultation run by State and Federal regulators.

If you have questions, please email us: enquiries@westport.wa.gov.au

Or speak to us in person at a community pop-up event.

To receive regular community updates, subscribe to Westport.