Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
What is Westport?
Westport is the State Government’s long-term program for a new, efficient and sustainable port in Kwinana with an integrated road and rail network. Westport is a once in a century opportunity to create a resilient supply chain that meets the needs of the community and underpins our State's long-term economic prosperity.
As major port projects take time to plan before construction can even begin, work is underway to develop a business case that will recommend to Government the high-level designs and best time and way to transition from the Inner Harbour in Fremantle to the Outer Harbour in Kwinana in the future.
What is Westport doing?
Work is underway to develop a business case that will recommend to Government the high-level designs and best time and way to transition trades from the Inner Harbour in Fremantle to the Outer Harbour in Kwinana.
Why was Kwinana/Cockburn Sound chosen?
In 2020, the Westport Independent Taskforce identified the Outer Harbour in Kwinana as the preferred location for the new terminal due to its pre-existing industrial area that already supports busy bulk freight and has the capacity for the new terminal, along with an integrated road and rail network.
Relocating to Kwinana will ensure trade can move safely, effectively and efficient now and in the long-term. It will create new job and business opportunities, reduce the number of trucks within densely populated residential areas and enable the City of Fremantle to explore new opportunities.
It is also at the heart of WA’s future premier industrial area and will give those in the area greater access to skilled roles and training opportunities.
Where will the port be located?
The location of the new terminal in Kwinana is proposed to be on Barter Road Beach/Kwinana Horse Beach, between the Kwinana Bulk Jetty and the Alcoa Refinery Jetty. A freight corridor along Anketell/Thomas Roads will connect the port with Tonkin Highway.
Further planning is required to determine the precise port footprint and freight corridor alignment.
When will the port be ready?
Westport is currently in Stage 3 “Business Case Definition”, which means planning is underway to determine when and how a new Kwinana port and logistics network should be developed. Westport will recommend the high-level designs and best time and way to transition from the Inner Harbour in Fremantle to the Outer Harbour in Kwinana.
The State Government will make an investment decision and determine next steps, including possible timing, after the Business Case is submitted.
How much will the new port cost?
Westport’s business case to Government will provide a cost estimate, commercial framework, and ownership and funding options.
Fremantle FAQs
Why can’t we expand the current port in Fremantle?
For over 120 years, the Inner Harbour in Fremantle has helped local and surrounding communities thrive and will continue to leave a legacy for future generations. However, urban development has placed pressure on freight access and in coming decades this is expected to constrain trade movements.
For the Inner Harbour in Fremantle to continue to move containers efficiently, major infrastructure upgrades would be required for the berths, terminals and channels. But even with significant upgrades, road congestion within residential areas would increase, slowing the movement of freight and therefore increasing costs and impacts to the surrounding community.
What will happen to Fremantle if the port moves?
With Westport investigating a new terminal in the Kwinana Outer Harbour, an opportunity exists to consider the long-term redevelopment opportunities for Fremantle’s North Quay.
A Future of Fremantle Planning Committee, administered by the WA Planning Commission, will develop a vision for the longer-term redevelopment of the area.
Transitioning container trade will be planned in advance to keep trade moving and ensure the businesses are prepared and ready for the move.
Cockburn Sound FAQs
Will a new port damage Cockburn Sound?
Westport recognises that the construction and operation of a new container port in the Kwinana Outer Harbour will have some impact to the local environment. However, this can be minimised with thorough planning, innovative design and evidence-based mitigation strategies.
How will Westport prevent damage to the Sound?
A key priority for Westport during this planning phase is to take a science-based approach to better understand potential impacts and opportunities so that eco-system health and resilience can successfully be protected for generations to come.
Westport has partnered with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) to deliver a comprehensive research program that fills important knowledge gaps about Cockburn Sound’s ecosystem and marine life.
Westport will also undergo a rigorous and independent environmental impact assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
How will Westport manage the environment at Cockburn Sound?
Westport takes its environmental obligations very seriously, particularly in and around Cockburn Sound. Westport is taking a science-based approach to better understand potential impacts and opportunities so that eco-system health and resilience can successfully be protected for generations to come.
Westport has partnered with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) to deliver a comprehensive research program that fills important knowledge gaps about Cockburn Sound’s ecosystem and marine life to inform a mitigation plan to offset any potential environmental impacts expected from the project.
The ultimate vision is to plan, build and operate the most sustainable port in Australia, targeting a carbon neutral supply chain.
Will the port impact existing marine life?
Westport has partnered with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) to deliver a comprehensive research program. This work will address knowledge gaps relating to key species in the Cockburn Sound area, including little penguins, bottlenose dolphins, Australian sea lions and seahorses/pipefish.
WAMSI will also investigate how seagrasses are affected by different pressures, develop practical management practices and investigate how seagrass meadows can be strengthened to better cope with the changing climate.
Will I still be able to fish in Cockburn Sound?
Westport recognises the importance of Cockburn Sound to the community, including the recreational fishing community.
As part of our work with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) Westport is engaging with the local recreational fishing community and researching ways to support healthy fish stocks and habitats.
Will the new port impact on beach access?
The new port in Kwinana is proposed to be on Barter Road Beach/Kwinana Horse Beach, between the Kwinana Bulk Jetty and the Alcoa Refinery Jetty.
Westport recognises that it is a popular horse beach and is also favoured by patrons who prefer less crowded beaches. Westport is investigating opportunities to provide suitable beach facilities and recreation areas for any displaced users.
Will the Naval Base Shacks be impacted?
The proposed location of port facilities to the south of the Alcoa Jetty will not directly physically impact on the Naval Base Shacks, which are located to the north of Alcoa Jetty
How will dredging affect Cockburn Sound?
Limiting and/or avoiding environmental impacts from dredging will be a key focus of Westport’s science program. Due to advances in dredging research, we are now more equipped than ever to manage potential impacts.
Anketell-Thomas Road Freight Corridor FAQs
What is happening along Anketell and Thomas Roads?
Westport and Main Roads WA have started early planning on the Thomas/Anketell road corridor which will connect the port with Tonkin Highway and will support wider growth of the Kwinana industrial area.
While the precise Thomas/Anketell Road alignment is subject to further planning work and consultation, the general road corridor has been confirmed.
Planning will identify design options for the new port and transport corridor that are sustainable and meet operational requirements. This work will also identify potential land requirements and determine when and how the new infrastructure should be delivered.
Planning will include a wide range of environmental, engineering and geotechnical investigations as well as consultation and engagement with stakeholders and the local community.
Will my land be acquired by the State?
At this stage, specific land requirements have not been confirmed and will be part of the next stage of the detailed road design
If land acquisition is required at a later stage, any affected landowners will be contacted directly, and the process explained in detail.
When will I know if my house/land will be acquired?
Westport and Main Roads WA are working to develop a corridor design that will inform the future land-requirement.
Any affected landowners will be contacted directly to discuss what this means for them.
What if I want to sell my house now?
Any landowners within the PCA are welcome to contact the Westport office to discuss their personal circumstances.
Why has a PCA been enacted?
To ensure developments along the future expansion of the Thomas/Anketell Road corridor do not conflict or restrict the project a Planning Control Area (PCA) is being put in place.
A PCA does not mean land will be acquired and is often larger than the area needed for public infrastructure projects. For more information visit www.dplh.wa.gov.au
To read more, please see the Anketell-Thomas Road Corridor Online Information Session Q&A.