- Cook Labor Government supporting economic future through delivery of quality infrastructure
- Independent marine science program now completed
- Scientific insights have been shaping design of the future port in Kwinana since 2023
- New data to inform Westport's environmental impact assessment and approvals process, underpin future management of Cockburn Sound for all uses
One of the State's most comprehensive marine science programs has been formally completed, supporting the Cook Labor Government's commitment to deliver quality infrastructure, grow the economy and protect the environment.
The three-year $13.5 million Westport Marine Science Program was a research partnership undertaken by the independent Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) to support Westport's planning for a new port in Kwinana.
Key findings from the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program were presented today at a symposium as part of The Biodiversity Conference 2025.
Thescience programwasshaped through broad consultation, and its delivery involved 150 independent researchers across more than 30 projects, structured around nine themes:
- ecosystem modelling and integration;
- benthic (seafloor) habitats and communities;
- water and sediment quality;
- fisheries and aquatic resources;
- hydrodynamic modelling;
- social values;
- noise;
- apex predators and iconic species; and
- coastal processes.
Improving the understanding of seagrass restoration and the broader ecology of Cockburn Sound were key focuses of the program, and the results have already influenced planning and design of the new container port in Kwinana.
This included a decision to move the port's location one kilometre south to avoid seagrass beds, and an open breakwater design to minimise impacts on ocean currents which support snapper spawning.
The data is now informing development of a holistic ecosystem model for predicting environmental impacts and optimising restoration. This will be used to determine the best construction and management methodologies and evaluate marine restoration activities, including a substantial seagrass restoration program, to support the long-term health of Cockburn Sound.
The WAMSI findings will feed into Westport's environmental impact assessment and approvals process which will be available for public review. It will also provide the basis for cumulative impact management of all activities planned across the State's premier strategic industrial area which adjoins Cockburn Sound.
Outputs from the science program are also helping Westport plan other 'above and beyond' projects to build resilience in the environment, including recently funded artificial reef and community seagrass restoration programs.
Final reports developed through the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program are being published on the WAMSI website following a rigorous peer review process.
All remaining reports will be made publicly available prior to the EPA publishing Westport's environmental review document for public comment, expected in 2026.
Final published reports are available here: www.wamsi.org.au/projects/cockburn-sound
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Our government is focused on delivering high-quality infrastructure that secures the economic future of our State.
"By investing in science early, well ahead of the Westport business case, we've been able to make informed decisions that avoid and minimise environmental impacts.
"This program demonstrates how science can shape better planning outcomes for critical infrastructure that will support our economy for the next century.
"Westport is doing the heavy lifting in developing the tools and data to support cumulative impact forecasting that will ensure regulators and governments can confidently manage Cockburn Sound to safely balance economic, environmental, fisheries, and recreational outcomes.
"This comprehensive science program was delivered not by consultants but by independent and expert scientists of WAMSI drawn from universities, Commonwealth research institutions, and our own fisheries scientists.
"The program required independent peer review and publication which should give the community confidence in the information Westport is using.
"I want to thank the many scientists and researchers involved in the program. Their work has advanced marine science in WA and will continue to guide us as we plan for a resilient and environmentally responsible future."
