Joint $1.1bn funding to deliver better connections to future WA port precinct

The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are jointly funding $1.1 billion to deliver crucial road connections to the proposed future Westport container terminal in Kwinana, which will ultimately strengthen Western Australia’s supply chain resilience.

The Australian Government is committing $552 million through the upcoming Federal Budget, with the State Government matching it.

This significant investment will ensure the proposed Westport container terminal and redeveloped bulk terminal, alongside the wider Western Trade Coast, have the road connections needed to boost long-term trade and economic growth while supporting housing supply and improving productivity in the defence and critical minerals sectors.

“This funding will mean workers in Perth’s southern suburbs will spend less time behind the wheel and more time with family and friends.

“It will ease freight congestion, make freight transport safer, back in our truckies, and support the continuing unmatched economic powerhouse that is the Kwinana Industrial Area,” Federal Member for Brand Madeleine King said.

Through this funding, the first stage of upgrades to Anketell Road will be delivered including widening the road to four lanes between Leath Road and Abercrombie Road, and a grade separation at Rockingham Road.

The overall upgrade plans for Anketell Road will include:

• A free-flowing, dual carriageway between Kwinana Freeway and Leath Road in Kwinana
• Grade separation of Rockingham Road and Anketell Road over rail
• New local roads and existing road modifications, including upgrades at Rockingham Road
• A Shared Path along Anketell Road
• Other road infrastructure including, but not limited to, culverts, drainage basins, lighting, fencing, landscaping, road safety barriers, and signage
• Utility relocations and works to maintain access to properties

These works will not only boost the efficiency of freight movements, but they will also help reduce traffic for residents and support connection for future port expansions.

“In uncertain times, Australians can be assured we are getting on with the job of delivering landmark projects that will unlock long-term social and economic benefits for Australians.

“Upgrading Anketell Road will ensure Western Australia’s trade capacity can realise its potential.

“Providing clear and efficient access to the future Westport precinct will support long-term economic growth of Western Australian industries, boosting the local and national economy, and creating jobs,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

“Western Australia’s economy is the strongest in the nation, and the future container port in Kwinana coupled with the Western Trade Coast will play a significant role in maintaining that strength.

“Upgrading Anketell Road will help deliver this once-in-a-century economic infrastructure for WA.

“It will ensure our State has what it needs to meet my government’s priorities – including becoming a renewable energy superpower and a place that makes more things here,” Premier Roger Cook said.

Project map (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

Anketell Road is a vital freight route that is expected to become the heavy-vehicle route of choice linking Leath Road and the Kwinana Freeway.

The upgrades to Anketell Road will enable heavy vehicle traffic to shift away from residential areas to drive down congestion as well as improve safety and travel times on local roads.

This project will also support lower emissions by providing more efficient freight routing and reduced network delays.

The Anketell Road Upgrade will help drive economic development across the State’s premier strategic industrial area – the Western Trade Coast – to support Western Australia’s economic diversification and long-term job creation.

“This upgrade to Anketell Road is a huge investment in the future supply chains of Western Australia.

“A wider, safer Anketell Road will increase freight throughput to a future Westport precinct, reducing travel times and lowering cost of freight for businesses and consumers alike.

“This will also take more freight off our local roads and make it safer for residents in Rockingham and the surrounding suburbs to get around,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

“We’re delivering Westport to keep Western Australia’s economy the strongest in the nation, and these upgrades to Anketell Road mark the first major infrastructure project that will enable that vision.

“Anketell Road is a critical east-west connection, and these upgrades will ensure freight movements in and out of the future port precinct and surrounding industrial areas are safe and efficient for all road users.

“By futureproofing WA’s trade capabilities for the next century, we’re ensuring costs for imports, exports, and everyday goods remain low and creating a pipeline of jobs for Western Australians,” WA Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.

The announcement of the $1.1 billion funding builds on the significant infrastructure program being delivered by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, including METRONET, the Tonkin Highway Corridor, and the Outback Way.

In addition, the Albanese Government has committed $350 million to upgrade the Kwinana Freeway, which will be crucial in servicing the proposed Westport precinct.

The Cook Labor Government, on the other hand, has committed a further $117.9 million in its upcoming State Budget to support the progression of the Westport program. This will investment will cover:

• $24 million towards land acquisition to enable road construction
• $31.4 million for ongoing definition activities relating to marine and port infrastructure
• $61.6 million to maintain the Westport Program’s operations over the next four years

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Perth is OK! News; Main Roads Western Australia