Port Community Consultative Committees

BUILD RESILIENCE SUSTAINABILITY

PORT COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES

ALBANY

With COVID-19 still impacting everyone, it is sometimes difficult to not only have regular meetings but to engage with the community. Nevertheless, the Albany PCCC has continued to engage.

Port Open Days have always been a highlight, and the huge numbers which turned up to this year’s Open Day demonstrates once again, how the Albany community recognises the importance of the Port to its local economy and ethos. The Port is involved in the planning and delivery of a number of projects, such as the Albany Ring Road and the development of the Mounts parks, which will enhance the experience of visitors to our beautiful region.

Record harvests have been handled this year, and traffic improvements will make that task much easier. As a gateway for the Great Southern, the Albany Port continues to play a vital role within the region, and the manner in which Southern Ports interacts with Local Government and the wider community is paramount.

The master planning process for the Port of Albany is both exciting and reassuring. It is a credit to the CEO and his team that the community is actively engaged in the future of the Port.

Increased nominations for PCCC membership is evidence of locals wanting to be part of the success of the Albany Port and my thanks and appreciation goes to all those involved.

In closing, I would like to recognise our previous Chair, Chris Gunby. Chris’ zeal and dedication made it easy for others to be part of the Committee. I’d also like to thank CEO Steve Lewis and the team in Albany for their professionalism, excitement and hard work.

Graham Foster Chair - Albany

New Albany PCCC members were taken on a tour of the Port, including visiting the historic Pilot Cottages

BUNBURY

In my report last year, I referred to the impact of COVID-19, hoping that it would soon be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, it is still with us and looks like it will continue so for the foreseeable future. What has been pleasing to see and hear is how Southern Ports and the team in Bunbury has adapted to the new world, to even increase shipping, and at the same time keeping their staff, and the community, safe.

The Bunbury PCCC has been keen to recommence Port tours for the public, and we are continuing to support the Port in making this happen. The PCCC undertook a tour of the Port and it was amazing to see the growth and development since our last tour.

The PCCC have a great relationship with the Regional Manager and CEO, who are both proactive in listening to our feedback and offering items of interest to the committee.

We have been working with the other PCCCs to finalise our Charters, which will be a valuable document for us all, providing a structured framework to work with.

We were pleased to be able to network with Port users, stakeholders and the Board throughout the year, and we hope this will continue in the future.

Mike Ansell

Chair - Bunbury

ESPERANCE

In 2020 the Minister for Ports visited Esperance and announced funding for a number of works, including sealing internal roads within the Port. This will significantly assist in reducing dust and was a welcomed announcement by all.

Throughout the year the PCCC has enjoyed learning more about the various operations of the port, including the marine pilot function and the Emergency Response Team. We were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the Board in May and to continue our regular meetings with the CEO.

The Port of Esperance commenced master planning in late 2020, and the PCCC were pleased to be actively engaged in this process. The future looks bright for Southern Ports!

In closing, I would like to thank outgoing PCCC member Brett Thorp for his contribution to the PCCC over many years, and to all committee members for their ongoing commitment.

Stephen Francis Chair - Esperance

Bunbury PCCC