Economic snapshot shows Kwinana's contribution to WA

24/4/02
An economic impact report released today by State Development Minister Clive Brown revealed that Kwinana, Western Australia's industrial heartland, provided major benefits to the State and Australian economies.
Mr Brown said the Kwinana Industrial Area Economic Impact Study provided an important snapshot of the area's economic contribution to the State.
"Kwinana is WA's premier heavy-industry precinct and its industrial estate plays a significant role ensuring the economic success of this State," he said.
"The Kwinana industrial area generates almost $4.4billion in direct sales, with more than $1.5billion relating to international export markets."
Mr Brown said the report highlighted messages often overlooked in debates about the area.
"Kwinana industry is responsible for employing over 3,600 people, 70 per cent of whom live locally," he said.
"It also supports and adds considerable value to the development of the State's resources sector."
Since a similar study was conducted 12 years ago, employment in the area has risen 16 per cent and sales have risen by about 50 per cent.
"The future is looking even brighter for the Kwinana industrial strip, with a number of major infrastructure developments in the pipeline, including Rio Tinto's HIsmelt project which, as announced today, will proceed later this year pending environmental approvals," the Minister said.
He also highlighted the on-going construction of the $200million Jervoise Bay Industrial Marine Complex, which will provide a highly competitive fabrication and maintenance facility for local, national and international clients in the resources, shipping and construction industries.
"Jervoise Bay is poised to play a pivotal role in the development of the gas processing projects in the Burrup Peninsula area and the North West Shelf," Mr Brown said.
"Besides economic factors, the report also emphasised the positive development of industry's greater understanding of environmental concerns, and outlines programs implemented by various companies to address them."
The report was commissioned by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA, the Kwinana Industries Council in conjunction with Landcorp, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and Environment Australia.
The report was compiled by consultants Sinclair Knight Merz and is available from the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA's website at http://www.cciwa.com or by telephoning John Rampton on 9365 7537.
Minister's Office: 9222 9699