Port focus to build region’s prosperity

Bunbury Port is the key to unlocking jobs and securing the region’s economy, according to Labor candidate Don Punch.

Mr Punch has revealed the port will be a “major plank” in his campaign leading up to next year’s State Election.

It comes as Opposition Leader Mark McGowan announced plans last month to develop the capacity of Bunbury Port, including $10 million from Royalties for Regions to kickstart the staged development.

Mr Punch welcomed the announcement saying the move would create jobs and drive investment in the South West.

However, Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said the State Government was already expanding the port through the commissioning of environmental studies. Mr Punch conceded the State Government was doing tests, but said no further commitment had been made.

“There’s certainly no policy commitment that the Bunbury Port can work to relieve the Fremantle Port,” he said.

“Since the 1960s productivity at the port has been trending upwards every year and that really highlights the contribution to the region.”

Mr Punch said it was crucial Bunbury Port was better utilised to relieve the pressure and congestion at Fremantle Port.

“Many of the containers going to Fremantle originate out of the South West,” he said.

“The port can have the capacity to relieve that congestion and drive investment and jobs down here.

“We have to bring new money in and keep that money here.”

Mr Punch said the port was “really well strategically located” and the Picton industrial area could accommodate the needs of an expanded port.

“Picton could be a real cluster of activity around transport,” he said.

“There’s space for warehousing and distribution, production and servicing of ships, from food and fuel supply that go to ships.

“And all of that will create jobs.”