The $25 billion Henderson Defence Precinct is set to transform a significant stretch of Cockburn Sound’s eastern shoreline, with major new maritime infrastructure potentially bringing changes to fishing and boating access, dredging and the marine environment.
For fishers, the scale and waterfront location of the development makes this one to watch closely. In particular, the development is likely to bring significant changes to boating access from Woodman Point boat ramp and the Cockburn Powerboat Club, with alterations to existing break walls and new infrastructure expected.
In August, the Commonwealth and State governments announced the selected site and boundary for the new precinct, which is expected to require around $25 billion of investment over the next decade. The Commonwealth has already committed an initial $12 billion towards its delivery.
The precinct will become a major hub for naval shipbuilding and maintenance, including construction of larger Defence vessels and facilities to maintain Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.
What could it mean for the Sound?
While the boundary of the precinct has now been selected, exactly what the development will look like on the water is still being worked through.
The project has moved into concept design, with major new maritime infrastructure required to support shipbuilding and submarine maintenance.
Commonwealth and State planning for the precinct has contemplated dredging, seabed requirements and broader land and sea works within Cockburn Sound.
The prospect of further dredging and major new marine infrastructure will understandably be of interest to fishers given the importance of Cockburn Sound’s seagrass meadows, fish habitat and nursery areas, as well as its role as a spawning area for pink snapper.
As the designs develop, Recfishwest will be looking closely at the potential environmental footprint and what it could mean for the health and productivity of the Sound and any impact on fishing experiences.
What about fishing and boating access?
There are also important questions about what the development could mean for how fishers and boaters use this part of Cockburn Sound.
The final marine footprint and access arrangements have not yet been determined, but the scale of the development means we’ll be paying close attention to what future designs mean for access to existing fishing areas, navigation and any exclusion zones.
Cockburn Sound is the jewel in the crown of metropolitan fishing and its relatively protected waters provide accessible fishing opportunities for everyone including small-boat fishers and kayakers, and families chasing squid, crabs, whiting and pink snapper.
As plans for Henderson develop, Recfishwest wants to ensure recreational fishing and boating are considered from the outset – not after the major design decisions have already been made.
A huge investment – and an opportunity
Development on this scale will inevitably bring change, but it should also create opportunities.
With around $25 billion expected to be invested over the next decade, we want to see impacts on important habitat and fishing and boating access avoided wherever possible and minimised where they can’t be avoided.
Where impacts do occur, there should also be a conversation about how investment can deliver tangible benefits back to the Sound and the people who use it.
That could include opportunities to restore and enhance seagrass and shellfish habitat, enhance fish habitat, improve boating and shore-based fishing infrastructure or create new fishing opportunities as part of the broader development.
The final design is not yet settled, which makes the next phase particularly important.
Recfishwest will be keeping a close eye on the project as the concept designs develop and will be advocating to ensure healthy habitat, fishing and boating access and great fishing experiences remain part of the future of Cockburn Sound.
