State Government to upgrade security at WA ports

8/1/04
Premier Geoff Gallop has announced a multi-million-dollar security upgrade to protect Western Australia's ports.
Dr Gallop said up to $6.1million would be spent implementing a wide-ranging series of security measures to meet international maritime conditions.
"This security upgrade will significantly reduce security risks to shipping, as well as helping safeguard the integrity and operations of all Western Australia's ports," the Premier said.
WA's ports handle an average of 264 million tonnes of cargo each year, worth more than $8billion in imports and $26billion in exports.
Of all commercial ships visiting Australia, 21 per cent pass through at least one WA port, with more than 5,000 vessel movements through WA ports in 2001-02.
Dr Gallop said while most WA ports were reasonably well secured, others had historically been relatively 'open'.
"Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that security at this State's ports is of the highest possible level, so national and international shipping operators who use them can do so with renewed and increased confidence," he said.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the money would be spent at WA's eight major port facilities, with most of the improvements expected to be complete this financial year.
"Some ports, such as Fremantle and Geraldton, will have ongoing security works continue in the following financial year," Ms MacTiernan said.
"While each port has differing requirements, the new security measures will include additional fencing and security, new staff identification systems and closed-circuit surveillance cameras, as well as risk assessment and staff training."
The improved security measures are aimed at meeting stringent maritime conditions imposed by the USA as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Any non-compliance could result in ships being prevented from entering American ports - and possibly other international ports - thereby affecting crucial trade flows.
Premier's Office - 9222 9475
Minister's Office - 9213 6400

Security upgrade at WA's ports

Albany Port Authority: Albany Port already has a number of security arrangements in place. In 2003-04 the Albany Port Authority will spend $3,200 on developing a port security and risk assessment plan.
Broome Port Authority: The Broome Port Authority will spend almost $150,000 on developing a port security and risk assessment plan and installing additional security fencing and lighting, a ship identification system, a security identification card system and closed circuit security cameras.
Bunbury Port Authority: Bunbury Port already has perimeter fencing and security gates, which restrict access to all operational areas. The Bunbury Port Authority will spend $100,000 on installing video surveillance and a photographic identification system and fencing off operating berth areas so that access during the loading and unloading of ships is restricted.
Dampier Port Authority: The Dampier Port Authority will spend $1.5million on installing a smart card security system, an automated ship identification system, heavy-duty security gates and a closed circuit television system at four access points, additional perimeter fencing and lighting and a radar system in the Communication Tower.

Esperance Port Authority: Esperance Port already has security fencing and lighting and a security swipe card system in place. The security assessment recently completed by consultants does not identify any other significant security measures or works are required. The Esperance Port Authority expects to spend no more than $50,000 in order to meet the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003.
Fremantle Port Authority: The Fremantle Port Authority will spend almost $2million between 2003-04 and 2006-07 on upgrading security in three areas - the Fremantle Inner Harbour, the Kwinana Bulk Terminal and the Kwinana Bulk Jetty. In 2003-04, $1.34million will be spent on Inner Harbour security:

• replacing and upgrading time lapse video recording equipment ;
• upgrading and extending the closed circuit television surveillance system;
• improving the electronic gate system to better control access;
• installing a personalised security card system;
• modernising and relocating the port security centre; and
• in 2004-05, $405,000 will be spent on upgrading security fencing and barriers and after 2004-05, $240,000 will be spent improving lighting and developing new parking areas.

Geraldton Port Authority: The Geraldton Port Authority will spend $2million upgrading and installing new security measures. In 2003-04, $1million will be spent on installing security fencing, which will isolate an area east of Graham Road, new security lighting and gates, an automated card access system and an Automated Identification System and Vessel Traffic System to ensure shipping safety. In 2004-05, following the relocation of the railway line as part of the Southern Transport Corridor project, $1million will be spent installing additional security fencing, new security lighting and gates and a closed circuit camera surveillance system.
Port Hedland Port Authority: Port Hedland Port Authority will spend $300,000 on developing a security and risk assessment plan, relocating the main entry point and installing new security gates, a swipe card system and new fencing.
Note:

• Expenditure - Expenditure on security measures by port authorities is subject to the approval of port security plans by the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services. Expenditure amounts therefore anticipated by WA's port authorities could change

• WA's privately operated ports - Private operators are required to meet the cost of new security measures to be introduced at WA's eight privately operated ports (Derby, Wyndham, Onslow, Carnarvon, Port Walcott, Varanus Island, Barrow Island, Yampi Sound). However, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, which administers and regulates these privately operated ports, will provide $150,000 towards the development of port security and risk assessment plans.
  

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