Media Statements - Jervoise Bay project under way (with pic)

13/12/00

Construction of Western Australia’s largest marine infrastructure development is now under way.

As work on the project’s island breakwater proceeded offshore, Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan and the Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin, today unveiled a plaque to commemorate start of work.

The $200 million Jervoise Bay marine industrial project, which is being jointly funded by the State and Federal governments, is due to be operational by mid-2002.

It will consist of a 40ha common user area, a 1.3km breakwater, a 10m deep harbour and an 80ha industrial estate.

Mr Cowan said the project, which would create 400 construction jobs over the next two years, would give WA a world-class fabrication and maintenance complex.

“The Jervoise Bay development will provide significant opportunities,” he said.

“It will be the platform for Australian companies to participate in contracts worth billions of dollars in the offshore oil and gas, resources, marine and defence industries over the next ten years.

“We confidently expect private sector companies to attract work valued at $200 million a year. These contracts will create 1000 direct full-time jobs in the heavy fabrication industry.”

The breakwater and dredging of the harbour and access channel will be completed by November next year.

Work on the 40ha common user area is due to start in March, by which time the island breakwater will be about one third finished.

Mr Cowan said companies were being asked to submit expressions of interest for the design and construction of the fabrication hall, stores and warehousing, offices, services and amenities.

“This development is creating a major new industrial opportunity for Western Australia,” he said.

“Not only will it provide a first class facility for Western Australia, it will also allow our firms to compete for international work.”

Mr Cowan said environmental considerations had been given a high priority in all stages of the planning for the project.

“All necessary environmental, heritage and planning approvals have been obtained,” he said.

“The Jervoise Bay development will provide business and employment opportunities without unduly compromising the environmental and recreational amenities of the area.”

Further details on the project can be found on the Internet at http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/industries/infras/jervoise

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan shows Senator Minchin the Jervoise Bay marine infrastructure site, with the breakwater in the background.

Mr Cowan and Senator Minchin at the unveiling of a plaque marking the start of construction work at Jervoise Bay.