WESTPORT UPDATE 

It is Time to Have Your Say

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers' Association (APSA) extend their thanks to Westport Managing Director, Patrick Seares, and his team for their time and valuable insights during this week's Industry Update webinar.

Mr Seares provided a comprehensive overview (see slide presentation HERE) of the Westport Program's progress as it moves into Stage 4 – Design and Delivery, supported by funding to advance detailed design work for the marine infrastructure, roads, and rail.

This stage includes obtaining environmental approvals from both State and Federal regulators, with no construction to commence until all recommendations and approvals have been received.

Mr Seares outlined a range of key infrastructure initiatives, including road upgrades to improve freight connectivity and a series of rail enhancements, such as a semi-automated on-dock rail head (with potential for full automation), duplication of 8.4 km of freight line between Kwinana and the Cockburn Triangle, removal of level crossings to improve safety and flow, and future upgrades to Intermodal Terminals (IMTs) to boost efficiency and capacity.

Additional project elements include the redevelopment of the Kwinana Bulk Terminal (KBT), marine geotechnical investigations, and the design of the proposed Westport Port Precinct.

Mr Seares also highlighted the potential for Westport to deliver greater clearance efficiency through system integration, smarter layout, and future-ready infrastructure.

In terms of port operations, it is anticipated there will be two terminal operators, to be selected through a global tender process. The level of automation at each terminal will be determined by the successful operators.

HAVE YOUR SAY

In order to ensure that this new container port is built with industry in mind, Westport is asking for industry to engage with their team and provide some answers to the following questions: 

• When Fremantle moves to Westport, what's the biggest risk for your business if it is not done right?
• If you could fix just one thing in the way containers are moved through the port, what would it be?
• If you think ahead to 2040, what's the one change that would make your job easier?
• Given your expertise of the WA supply chain, what is the one charge that you would recommend that could reduce costs for your customers?

Members can direct their commentary / suggestions direct to Dom Thatcher at Westport or provide same to John Park for incorporation into a submission from Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) / Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA).

FTA and APSA acknowledge Westport's continued engagement with industry and reaffirm their commitment to ensuring members remain informed and represented throughout this major national infrastructure development.