$204m investment to deliver port facilities across WA

The Western Australian Government is committed to securing the State’s emerging and future economic opportunities by bringing forward $204 million in new investment through the 2025-26 State Budget. 

This significant funding will deliver port infrastructure throughout Western Australia, including major upgrades at Fremantle as well as major regional ports. 

“This Budget is about making our economy more resilient. 

“It supports the Cook Labor Government’s vision of maintaining Western Australia’s nation-leading economy by making investments in the infrastructure our State needs so we can diversify and make more things here. 

“We are already investing in and attracting major job-creating industries and projects to WA. 

“By investing in new and existing port infrastructure, my government is securing our State’s trading future,” Premier Roger Cook said. 

The Port of Fremantle will receive substantial investment for wharf strengthening works. This includes $88 million to ensure the Inner Harbour wharves will continue to facilitate trade ahead of the move to Kwinana. 

The wharves were built at various times since the 1920s and now need regular strengthening to handle the larger vessels and heavier loads that are currently common in the port. 

The investment also includes a further $20.3 million to create a new tug facility at J-Berth on the Victoria Quay side of the port, providing the home as well as services for the fleet of tugs that manage shipping across the port. 

In addition, a raft of investments will be made in regional Western Australia, including: 

• $35 million for resurfacing Utah Point Ring Road in Port Hedland 

• $3.5 million for planning and design of new Berths 8-9 at the Port of Geraldton, which will support the import of renewables infrastructure and provide trade capacity for new industry establishing at the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area 

• $14 million for the construction of First Point of Entry bio-security infrastructure at the Port of Wyndham to support agricultural and resource development in the East Kimberley region 

• $500,000 for planning and business case development in support of passenger terminal facilities at the Port of Broome, which will stimulate more cruise vessel visits to the Kimberley and the State, bringing economic benefits to regional Western Australia 

• $1.5 million for a permanent barge landing at the Port of Derby to improve the resilience of the region 

• $10.8 million for planning and design of renewal of Berth 1-2 at the Port of Albany. This project will support ongoing cruse vessel activity as well as commercial export and import trades such as grain, fertiliser and mineral sands 

Furthermore, $5 million will be invested to establish a Supply Chain Resilience Fund that is aimed at strengthening the State’s supply chain and shipping capability, complementary to the Australian Government and its Maritime Strategic Fleet project. 

“This Budget shows our government understands the significant economic and strategic role our ports play. 

“The trade that occurs in our ports is integral not just to our State’s economy, but for our national economy. 

“Our ports handle more than half of Australia’s sea trade volume and facilitate more than $280 billion worth of trade each year. 

“Through our Budget, the Cook Government is working to further bolster our port infrastructure, especially as trade grows and new demands emerge. 

“Uniquely in Australia, our ports are owned and operated by the State Government. 

“We take pride in our role in funding the investments that benefit regional businesses as well as the overall interests of our communities,” Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Infrastructure Magazine