The State Government today announced it will proceed with the next phase of Rockingham’s Cape Peron marina project.

Premier Colin Barnett said detailed investigations would precede a formal public environmental assessment to be conducted by the Environmental Protection Authority.

“This is an independent and thorough process and will provide the community with several opportunities to have their say,” he said.

The project will proceed only if environmental approval is granted.

The project proposal, developed to this point by the Rockingham Kwinana Development Office (RKDO) and the City of Rockingham, calls for a new marina precinct that provides much-needed and long-awaited boating pens and services as well as a range of recreational, tourism and business opportunities for both visitors and locals.

“Rockingham residents have been talking for nearly 40 years about the need for boating facilities and a secure marina and I know the RKDO’s Chairman Phil Edman MLC for the South Metropolitan area and his team are working hard to finally deliver it,” Mr Barnett said.

“Cockburn Sound is a magnificent recreational area but there is no marina or services such as fuel, repairs, a chandlery, boat stackers, hardstand or parking for boat owners between Mandurah and Fremantle.”

A marina precinct would include:

clubhouse sites and pens for local boating clubs
cafes and restaurants
tourism, new business and education opportunities
facilities to support the local marine eco-tourism industry
affordable family holiday accommodation at a beachfront chalet park and short-term serviced accommodation
a site for a marine science centre of excellence
Planning Minster John Day said ‘Directions 2031’, the new draft planning framework which will shape the future of the Perth and Peel regions for the next 20 years, has Rockingham identified as a new Primary Centre.

“The addition of the excellent recreational boating and tourist facilities at Cape Peron would enhance the city’s Primary Centre role,” Mr Day said.

“Degraded areas of Cape Peron would also be rehabilitated and improved visitor facilities provided.”

Mr Day said the additional environmental studies as well as community feedback would guide the final concept plan.

“The State Government is committed to providing a range of boating and visitor facilities for everyone’s benefit,” he said.

“The Rockingham community has waited too long for this to happen”.

LandCorp will manage the development and seek a private sector partner to ensure the full scope of benefits from the marina are optimised.

More information is available at http://www.rkdo.wa.gov.au or phone 9550 7200.

Premier's office - 9222 9475

Planning Minister 's office - 9213 6600