The City of Rockingham initiated studies with a view to creating a marina-based tourism precinct on Cape Peron. Demand for boat pens in the area is high and there are benefits from an associated low-key development providing entertainment and accommodation facilities.
The Cape Peron project development phase included extensive community consultation organised by a steering committee including Mayor Barry Sammels (chair) with input from RKDO key stakeholders. The steering committee narrowed the number of concept options to just two (option 2.3 and option 2.4).
The Strategic Environmental Review completed in 2006 did not identify any fatal flaws, however it noted a number of significant environmental issues for further investigation. The next phase will be refinement of the concept plan and a full environmental assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority.
Current Status
In 2007 a private consortium announced its intention to construct a marina at the end of Wanliss Street on the Rockingham Foreshore. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure subsequently advised the City of Rockingham that any further Government action on the Cape Peron project would be deferred until the feasibility of the privately funded Wanliss Street marina concept was resolved.
The Minister considered that while there may be a place for both proposals in the future, the Government would allow the proponent to progress the Wanliss Street proposal first.
Cape Peron Tourist Precinct