WA State Government invests $273 million to progress Westport - WA"s new container port

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) are pleased to share a recent update that brings fresh potential for growth and advancement within our industry.

The WA State Government has taken a historic step forward with plans for a new Western Australian container port at Kwinana, committing $273 million to initiate detailed project planning, including risk assessment, land acquisition, and design finalisation, with the new port slated to be operational by the late 2030s.

This generational project aims to equip Western Australia with the infrastructure needed to support economic expansion and trade capacity for the future. The Westport business case has underscored the need for a modern container terminal to meet projected demand, reduce logistical constraints, and provide significant value to the WA economy.

Key highlights of the project include:

• Major Investment: WA State Government has committed $273 million to initiate detailed project planning, including risk assessment, land acquisition, and design finalisation, with the new port slated to be operational by the late 2030s.
• Economic Self-Sufficiency: The business case revealed that without a new port, WA's container trade constraints could result in annual economic losses averaging $5 billion, driven by increased costs for businesses and households.
• Enhanced Port Capacity: With Fremantle Port projected to reach its maximum capacity by 2040, or potentially sooner, the Kwinana port is positioned as a critical investment to support WA's growing population and trade needs.
• Cost Efficiency: Extending the life of Fremantle Port would require Westport to be constructed within a decade at an additional taxpayer cost of $2.2 billion.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: With significant upgrades to road and rail systems, such as widening the Kwinana Freeway, the project aims to address congestion, enhance freight movement, and reduce emissions by increasing rail-based container transport from 20% to 30%.
• Job Creation: Thousands of jobs are expected during construction, along with ongoing employment opportunities once the port is operational, supporting the local economy and catalysing industrial growth in the Kwinana area.

Comments attributed to WA Premier Roger Cook:
"A world-class container port in Kwinana is critical for our State to remain a global economic and industrial powerhouse, and for the future prosperity of all Western Australians."
"It will integrate our premier industrial and trade areas with our premier international trade gateway – it's foundational, once-in-a-century economic infrastructure for our State."

Comments attributed to WA Ports Minister David Michael:
"By planning for the transition in the late 2030s when Fremantle meets capacity, we are making the most of our current port infrastructure, while efficiently and reliably preparing for the future."

This announcement coincides with release of the Westport Business Case Summary, which recommends a one-off transition of container trade to Kwinana by the late 2030s.  

Read the Westport Business Case Summary in full here.

Further Information
WA State Government Media Statement 
Westport Announcement 

For further details on the project, members can access the Westport website here. 

Further updates will also be posted on our website. 


Tom Jensen - Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA