By Philip Jennings, President at Wetlands Conservation Society Inc.
Project: Kennedy Bay Public Jetty
Location: Kennedy Bay, Port Kennedy
Impact: Increased boat traffic and pollution of a conservation marine area.
Port Kennedy is a coastal suburb at the base of Warnbro Sound, about 50 km south of Perth. It contains the Port Kennedy Scientific Park, part of Rockingham Lakes Regional Park. It is of outstanding scientific importance due to the Becher Point wetland system, which is Ramsar-listed. These wetlands support a threatened ecological community called Sedgelands in Holocene Dune Swales of the Southern Swan Coastal Plain .
Becher Point is an outstanding cuspate foreland formed by coastal processes. The surrounding waters are an important whitebait nursery and marine park , with boating restrictions in place.
On 13 May 2025, the EPA decided not to assess a proposal for a public jetty at Kennedy Bay: EPA determination document .
- an elevated main deck
- a short-stay vessel berth
- a diving platform, terracing, stairs and swimming platform
- a demarcated swimming area
Due to changes in WA environmental law and removal of appeal rights, there is no public right of review for this decision. Concerns remain that increased boating activity will increase disturbance and pollution in a sensitive Ramsar-listed ecosystem.
Port Kennedy is an important breeding and feeding area for fish, dolphins, little penguins and shorebirds. Human disturbance has been linked to declines in similar ecosystems, including: little penguin populations .
The City of Rockingham has raised concerns about the project and future maintenance responsibilities: local government response .
Recommendations
- Reinstate public appeal rights for EPA “not to assess” decisions.
- Pause works until long-term management arrangements are resolved with the City of Rockingham.
(See Recommendation 13 under Protect Critical and Remnant Habitat and Recommendation 34 under Strengthen Public Participation and Accountability )