❓ Mr Leary questions the government on the economic impact of the Westport development on dolphin swim operators in Cockburn Sound, seeking information on economic assessments, consultation, compensation, and ecological monitoring. The government states impacts will be considered through existing approval processes and engagement has occurred, but no compensation framework is yet decided.
AnsweredQoN 1790Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to licensed marine wildlife tourism operators in Cockburn Sound, and I ask : (a) Has the Government undertaken any economic impact assessment on licensed dolphin swim operators arising from the Westport development; (b) What consultation has occurred with affected operators regarding exclusion zones or operational restrictions; (c) Will the Government establish a compensation framework for operators experiencing revenue loss due to construction impacts; (d) If yes, what model will be applied, including eligibility criteria and assessment methodology, If no, why not; and (e) Has the Government considered engaging licensed operators to undertake ecological monitoring or behavioural data collection during construction?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 March 2026
Responded by
Minister for Transport
Response time
9 days
(a)-(e) Economic and social impacts on licensed marine wildlife tourism operators will be considered through the project’s statutory environmental and planning approval processes.
Westport has engaged with operators since 2022, providing early information on potential exclusion zones, with further opportunities for operator input to occur through formal State and Commonwealth environmental assessment consultations.
No decision has been made on establishing a compensation framework, though any future approach would need to align with statutory and contractual frameworks.
Westport is also developing its environmental monitoring framework.
Westport has engaged with operators since 2022, providing early information on potential exclusion zones, with further opportunities for operator input to occur through formal State and Commonwealth environmental assessment consultations.
No decision has been made on establishing a compensation framework, though any future approach would need to align with statutory and contractual frameworks.
Westport is also developing its environmental monitoring framework.
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