Exmouth Gulf will be the subject of Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) advice to the Minister to determine the environmental, cultural and social impacts of proposed activities and developments in the region.
Under section 16(e) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, Environment Minister Stephen Dawson has requested the EPA provide advice on the potential cumulative impacts of current and future activities and developments proposed for Exmouth Gulf.
The Minister has determined that new, and in some cases very recent proposals, such as the Gascoyne Gateway Cruise and Multi-Use Marine Facility, K+S Salt proposal and Learmonth pipeline fabrication project have the potential to significantly add to these impacts.
It is important that the Environment Minister understands the current social, cultural and environmental values in the Gulf before making a decision on any future proposals that may impact on these values.
The EPA has advised that its current assessment of a proposal to build and operate a pipeline fabrication facility at Learmonth, near Exmouth, along with the related assessment of a local scheme amendment, will be put on hold until the findings from the cumulative impact study are finalised.
The EPA is expected to provide the Minister with its advice on Exmouth Gulf at the end of June 2021.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Exmouth Gulf is under increasing pressure from a range of activities and users and this is an opportunity to better understand the potential impacts before any significant development gets underway.
"Understanding any potential impacts that future developments may have on Exmouth Gulf will enable me to make an informed decision about these future proposals."
