The State Government has introduced new legislation to Parliament to establish a dedicated authority to deliver the State’s future container port and supporting infrastructure in Kwinana, securing Western Australia’s long-term trade future.
Why become an Authority?
Westport is of one of the largest state infrastructure programs in Western Australia’s history, requiring more than 10 years of complex design and construction of new container port facilities in Kwinana, as well as an integrated road, rail and logistics network.
Experience from across Australia shows that infrastructure programs of this scale, that go well beyond ‘business as usual’ are best delivered by a single-focused organisation.
About the Westport Bill
The Bill proposes a standalone Westport Authority, governed by a Board and led by a CEO, with the powers needed to make timely decisions, enter necessary commercial arrangements and attract specialist expertise, while remaining subject to strong governance and public accountability and delivering value for money.
As a planning and delivery arm of Government, the Westport Authority will exist for a finite period. Completed assets including the container terminal and all maritime infrastructure will be transferred to the Fremantle Port Authority, while Main Roads WA and the Public Transport Authority will continue to operate the road and rail freight links.
What the Bill does and doesn’t do
The Westport Bill 2026:
- Establishes the Westport Authority with clear powers to plan and deliver Westport.
- Enables efficient delivery of port, marine and landside infrastructure.
- Defines the Westport terminal area and broader footprint to support coordinated delivery.
- Does not guarantee construction, funding or final investment decisions.
- Preserves the Environmental Protection Act.
- Makes no changes to the environmental impact assessment process.
- Makes no changes to statutory heritage approval processes.
A coordinated vision for the Western Trade Coast:
The Bill establishes a defined Westport footprint within which the new container terminal and its freight links will be delivered. Government agencies and other public authorities proposing planning works that affect this footprint will be required to consult the Westport Authority, ensuring decisions align with a coordinated approach to securing land for critical trade infrastructure.
What happens next?
The Bill is currently being considered by Parliament. We will keep you updated as it progresses.
Establishing a Westport Authority does not pre‑empt environmental approvals or a final investment decision; it ensures the State is properly prepared to deliver the project if those approvals are granted.
Subject to environmental approvals and a final investment decision, construction of the new container terminal is expected to commence in the late 2020s, for completion in the late 2030s.
