The State Government has called on the public to provide suggestions on the development of the Kemerton Industrial Park in the State's South-West.
The State Government has called on the public to provide suggestions on the development of the Kemerton Industrial Park in the State's South-West.
Industry and Enterprise Minister Francis Logan today released the draft of the Kemerton Industrial Park Strategy Plan and announced it was available for public comment.
Mr Logan said the Kemerton Industrial Park was zoned in 1985 as a strategic industrial area for the South-West and the draft plan represented a unique opportunity for the community and stakeholders to comment on the area's future.
"The park will become Western Australia's next world-class industrial estate and is a significant and crucial component of the State Government's industrial development strategy for the next 20 years," the Minister said.
"The Kwinana and East Rockingham industrial areas are nearing capacity and there is a pressing need for land specifically designated for the State's booming industrial sector, the Kemerton Industrial Park is the ideal location to fill this void."
The park is located in the Shire of Harvey, 17km north-east of Bunbury. It is connected by two highways and is accessible to the metropolitan area, the Kwinana and East Rockingham industrial sites and the Bunbury Port, by road and the planned rail link.
Mr Logan said the draft strategy plan balanced the various and diverse needs of all stakeholders, including the environment, local community, industry and local and State Governments.
"The plan provides for protection and continued linking of significant remnant vegetation, wetland areas and river environments through conservation corridors and a 5,000ha buffer," he said.
"Providing access to land for industry not only delivers future jobs and business opportunities, but also ensures regional sustainability.
"The Kemerton Industrial Park is a reality, but that reality can be shaped by the community, whose comments and feedback will be taken into account as the final strategy plan is developed. I encourage everyone to comment on the strategy plan and to make their voice heard."
The draft plan has been produced with direct input from LandCorp, the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, the Shire of Harvey, the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Environmental Protection Authority, Main Roads WA, Water Corporation, the Department of Water, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Power and the South West Development Commission.