Work has today begun on the access road to the East Keralup industrial estate, backed by an $8.65 million McGowan Government investment, which expected to open up opportunities for hundreds of long-term local jobs.
In late 2018 the McGowan Government launched a registration of interest process for activation of East Keralup, a 1,600ha site strategic site held by the State Government since the early 1990s.
An $8.65 million funding boost to activate the estate was included in the McGowan Government's COVID Recovery Plan, with the Shire of Murray awarded the contract to build a 3km access road to the site from Gull Road.
Following the 2018 process and with access to the site expected by the end of next year, Western Australia composting company C-Wise Holdings has been offered an option to lease over portions of the land and is planning to relocate to Keralup in 2023.
C-Wise's relocation to Keralup will significantly increase its production capability and is estimated to generate a potential $30 million annual economic output and create 130 new local jobs.
Commercial negotiations are well progressed with additional agribusinesses looking to relocate to the site.
Activation of the land has been carefully informed by scientific investigation and master planning sympathetic to the environmental values of the site. Specific measures are in place to conserve and protect the ecology of the Serpentine River and surrounding wetlands.
The site is about 17km south-east of Rockingham, 10km north-east of Mandurah and 20km north-west of Pinjarra.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This access road is a catalyst for encouraging new industries and economic opportunities in the Peel region, supporting long-term local jobs for the region.
"It paves the way for current and future Peel regional businesses to expand and establish their operations on State Government land at an affordable cost.
"After decades of the East Keralup land sitting empty, the McGowan Government is getting on with activating this estate and providing opportunities for agribusinesses like C-Wise to grow at the site."
As stated by Lands Minister Tony Buti:
"Site access infrastructure is essential to unlocking the potential of the site and attracting further private sector investment.
"Commencement of construction work on the East Keralup Access Road is a win-win for economic diversification and environmental management.
"With a subdivision approved in mid-October 2021 and the Shire of Murray awarded the road construction contract, this represents an immediate opportunity to maximise local content and procurement outcomes to benefit local suppliers, sub-contractors, and the Peel community."
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6200
