Master planning to chart the Esperance Port’s development and infrastructure needs over the next 30 years has commenced this week, with the release of a public survey.
The Port of Esperance is located approximately 600 kilometres east-southeast of Perth, Western Australia. It is a vital trade hub, connecting key industries in regional WA with the rest of the world. Its major exports are iron ore, nickel and grain, and bulk imports include fuel, fertilisers, containers and sulphur.
The Port Master Plan will take a long-term view of the port’s planning and infrastructure requirements up to 2050, and is expected to help drive investment confidence.
The project will examine future land uses within the port, focusing on:
- safety and security issues;
- potential port impacts;
- infrastructure demands;
- existing and potential trade drivers;
- environmental and community values; and
- operational requirements to meet current and emerging trade opportunities.
The master planning process will include consultation with the community and stakeholder groups – including the ‘Important Issues Master Planning Survey’, which can be accessed from Southern Ports’ website until midnight 25 September 2020.
Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Esperance Port is a critical driver for the Goldfields-Esperance economy, and a major employer in the town of Esperance.
“There is plenty of product in the hinterland that can drive the economy for many decades,” she said.
“Master planning will add significant value for Esperance Port’s customers, the community and the wider regional economy, and Southern Ports will be seeking input from their stakeholders to help shape the plan.”
“We encourage the local community to get involved in the development of the plan, which will help to shape Esperance Port’s future for the next 30 years,” the Minister added.
The Port Master Plan is expected to be completed during the first half of 2021.
More information on the Port Master Planning Project can be found here.