The major port reform in Western Australia, which began over a decade ago, continues to rumble along with responsibility for several of the states’ ports changing hands yesterday (01 July 2021).
Pilbara
Oversight of the Port of Varanus Island has been transferred from the WA Department of Transport to the Pilbara Ports Authority. Varanus is the first of five ports in the Pilbara region to be transferred to the Authority.
Varanus is a minor port, receiving about five vessel calls each year and it primarily handles the export of condensate. It is located about 75km from the Pilbara mainland and 140km west of the Port of Dampier.
“Pilbara Ports Authority welcomes the transfer of the Port of Varanus Island, which will transition from the Shipping and Pilotage Act to the Ports Authorities Act. The consolidation of commercial ports will ensure better safety, planning and coordination of port development in the Pilbara region,” said Pilbara Ports Authority CEO, Roger Johnston.
Kimberley
In addition to responsibility for the Port of Broome, Kimberley Port Authority has assumed responsibility from the Department of Transport for the ports of Wyndham (leased and managed by Cambridge Gulf); Port of derby (leased and managed by the Shire of Derby West Kimberley) and the Port of Yampi Sound.
Roles to be transferred
The following roles will be transferred:
• approval of pilotage areas and pilots (including exemption certificates);
• harbour master functions;
• overall marine safety oversight;
• declaration of channel depths;
• declaration of the formal closure of ports due to cyclone or other weather conditions;
• approval of jetties in port areas;
• management of the navigational aids for ships currently owned by DoT in port areas;
• management of current leases issued under the MHA and port operating agreements at common user ports; and
• any other port services provided to State Agreement customers by agreement.
Oversight
The Department of Transport will retain responsibility for policy and the oversight of ports authority governance.
Further details
Further details of the ongoing WA port governance reforms can be found on the website of the WA Department of Transport.
