What is Westport?

Westport is the State Government’s planning program to move container trade from Fremantle to Kwinana.

What is container trade?

It’s about shipping containers. Most goods that leave and arrive in WA come via container, making our container supply chain critical to our way of life and the success of our economy.

Our container trade is currently based in Fremantle. However, as trade grows, meaning larger ships and congestion on surrounding roads, the Port of Fremantle and its freight network will no longer have the capacity to efficiently service WA’s growing population. Upgrading the existing port to meet future container and shipping needs would require large, costly, and disruptive works, which would not resolve issues in the longer term.

We're planning a new port and freight network, including road, rail and logistics, to be ready when Fremantle meets capacity and to future proof container trade and WA’s economy for 100 years.

Kwinana has long been identified as the best location for WA’s major port. It’s already a heavy industrial area with a working port, has access to ten times more industrial land than Fremantle, and can accommodate new and safer freight corridors.

Infrastructure of this size can take more than a decade to plan and build, which is why we are starting now.

We’ve been working through some of the big questions…

What does the design for our new port and supply chain look like?
How will it interact with the environment and community?
When should it be built?
How much will it cost?

While we don’t have all the answers yet, we’re on track to know all this and more. By the middle of 2024, we’ll submit recommendations to Government outlining the port and supply chain design and development timings. This is called the business case.

Who’s involved?

So far, we've worked with industry, government, community, world-leading engineers, marine and environmental scientists, and experts in sustainability and transport planning to ensure the best design that will enhance WA’s economy, environment, and community.

Since January 2022, we’ve spent more than 500 hours speaking with 130 key groups of people, who have helped inform design of the proposed port and road and rail infrastructure.

Recognising the importance of Cockburn Sound, we partnered with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), investing $13.5 million in environmental research and modelling to shape the design process, and identify a range of opportunities to improve the resilience and functioning of the marine ecosystem.

The design we are recommending provides a modern and efficient port and freight network, enhances Kwinana’s status as a world-class industrial hub, and supports the long-term health of Cockburn Sound.

What’s next?

Westport is a long-term project and we’re still in the early stages. There will be many opportunities for engagement over the coming years, including direct feedback to us, and consultation run by State and Federal regulators.

Making a referral to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is the first step in a long and comprehensive environmental assessment process that will continue over the next three years, with ongoing opportunities for consultation.

Next steps for Westport:

• Early 2024: Referral to the EPA

• Mid 2024: Completion of the business case

Beyond mid-2024, the next stage of Westport will concentrate on progressing the port and freight network designs in more detail, ongoing engagement, and the environmental approval process.

Have your say!

We know there’s lots of questions about Westport. To help us understand what's important to you, we'd appreciate you taking 5 minutes to complete this survey. Your feedback will help us address the things you care about most.

Want to learn more?

Preferred Design

Read the media statement announcing the preferred design here

View the 3D flythrough video of the preferred design here

Hear Westport's Managing Director speak about the preferred design here

Learn more about what this update means in our November technical newsletter here

General information

To find out more about Westport visit www.westport.wa.gov.au

To receive regular Westport updates, subscribe to our e-newsletter.

For information about Fremantle planning, visit Future of Fremantle

Westport Community Survey