Backing for harbour

The City of Kwinana’s push for an outer harbour to be built in Cockburn Sound has the backing of a host of State and Federal Labor politicians.

Mayor Carol Adams met a number of representatives last Friday at Bibra Lake, including newly elected Federal member for Brand Madeleine King.

The State Government looks set to continue the divisive Perth Freight Link project, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pledging to financially support the contentious initiative.

The City of Kwinana’s Indian Ocean Gateway proposal suggests a new port in Cockburn Sound and the use of Anketell and Rowley roads would be a cost-effective and more desirable solution.

Ms Adams said that with the State Election on the horizon it would be a mistake for the Barnett Government to proceed with the contentious Roe 8 part of the freight link project.

“The Government should listen to calls from political, not-for-profit, business and investment sectors, including recent findings of a Senate Inquiry, for focus to urgently shift to the outer harbour,” she said. “It is essential that the Government undertakes a genuine and comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to ensure these decisions are truly in the best interest of the WA economy over the next century.”

Ms King echoed the Kwinana Mayor’s sentiments and pledged to campaign for the outer harbour in the region.

“The'''''' Kwinana outer harbour development is vital for Western Australia’s continued economic growth while also creating employment opportunities in the local community,” she said.

“Kwinana is the ideal location to become WA’s freight gateway with the industrial area able to support the trade, transport and logistics infrastructure required of a project of this size.”