Public comment invited on strategic assessment guidelines for port project

13/4/05
Draft guidelines for assessment of options for the Fremantle Ports outer harbour project are open for public comment from April 13 to May 25.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said community input would be important in identifying the most sustainable option for the proposed container and general cargo berths planned for Fremantle ports at Naval Base/Kwinana.
The additional berths will be needed in 10 years to supplement the capacity of the Fremantle Inner Harbour, which currently handles almost all of the container trade for Western Australia.
"An integrated strategic assessment, taking a thorough look at the economic, environmental and social impacts of each of the four identified options to determine the preferred option is planned, once the guidelines for the assessment are agreed," Ms MacTiernan said.
"There has already been extensive consultation with community and industry groups and other stakeholders on this project to identify issues for consideration.
"The draft guidelines reflect this valuable input, with the public comment period providing a wider opportunity for people to have their say about what they want to see included in the strategic assessment of options.
"Once the feedback has been considered, the guidelines will be developed and sent to the Western Australian Planning Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority for endorsement.
"The approvals process for the Fremantle Ports Outer Harbour Project, being managed jointly by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and Fremantle Ports with the support of the State Government, breaks new ground in terms of an integrated triple bottom line assessment.
"The preferred option will be submitted for statutory approval in the second stage of the approval process."
Minister's office: 9213 6400