World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Proposed Exmouth port faces opposition over risks to marine life
A company has proposed a deepwater port near Exmouth in northern Western Australia, about 10 kilometres south of the town.
The Gascoyne Gateway Marine Complex would serve cruise liners, defence vessels and commercial supply ships.
Author and conservationist Tim Winton and some local residents oppose the plan, saying the location threatens Ningaloo's marine environment.
They are concerned dredging could affect seagrass used by dugongs, while humpback whales also rely on the Gulf.
The local chamber of commerce and the project’s chief executive say the port could bring jobs and other economic benefits, and the company says most locals and businesses support it.
The project is still going through approvals, with the WA Environmental Protection Authority consulting the public.
A proposed deepwater industrial port near Exmouth has drawn opposition from locals and conservationists concerned about risks to marine life.
The Gascoyne Gateway Marine Complex is proposed for Exmouth Gulf, about 10 kilometres south of the town.
The port would serve cruise liners, defence vessels and commercial supply ships.
Supporters say it could bring jobs, road upgrades and other economic benefits to the community.
The proposal is still undergoing approvals, and the WA Environmental Protection Authority is conducting public consultation.
- Who
- Gascoyne Gateway Ltd is proposing the port. Locals and conservationists oppose it, while the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce president and the company’s CEO support it.
- What
- A deepwater industrial port called the Gascoyne Gateway Marine Complex is proposed near Exmouth.
- When
- The proposal was first made in 2020. It is still undergoing approvals.
- Where
- Exmouth Gulf, about 10 kilometres south of Exmouth in northern Western Australia.
- Why
- Opponents fear harm to marine life and the local ecosystem. Supporters expect economic benefits, including jobs and road upgrades.
Local opponents and conservationists
Gascoyne Gateway Ltd and port supporters
Environmental impact
Local opponents and conservationists
The port could damage the local ecosystem and put dugongs, humpback whales and seagrass meadows at risk.
Gascoyne Gateway Ltd and port supporters
The company says vessel interactions with fauna can be managed through risk mitigation, including during seasonal periods of higher risk.
Community impact
Local opponents and conservationists
Opponents say the location is too close to Exmouth and the World Heritage Ningaloo area.
Gascoyne Gateway Ltd and port supporters
Supporters say the project could bring jobs, road upgrades, housing and population growth.
Public support
Local opponents and conservationists
Locals and conservationists have campaigned against the proposal.
Gascoyne Gateway Ltd and port supporters
Gascoyne Gateway CEO Daniel Jackson says opponents are a loud minority and that most locals and businesses favour the port.
The port proposal was first made, and Brinkley Davies became involved in the campaign against it.
The project is undergoing approvals, while the WA Environmental Protection Authority conducts public consultation.
- Project
- Gascoyne Gateway Marine Complex
- Location
- Exmouth Gulf, about 10 kilometres south of Exmouth
- Distance from Perth
- 1,230 kilometres north
- Proposed facilities
- A single jetty wharf, bulk fuel storage, a solar farm and a seawater desalination plant
- Proposed users
- Cruise liners, defence vessels and commercial supply vessels
- Status
- Undergoing approvals and public consultation by the WA Environmental Protection Authority
What people are saying
It is worrying because it is my front yard, but also the marine ecosystem that is at risk is a major factor
My main concern is it is going to be right in the middle of the parts of the humpback highway in Exmouth Gulf
There's for and against on both sides with businesses that agree to disagree, but I just get back to what the positives are from an economic perspective and what that will do for the town, for increased housing and population
There is those that have opposed the project, but I would put them in the loud minority