State government in Western Australia has unveiled plans for a new container terminal. The location at Kwinana is set to keep the state’s economy strong in years to come.
Western Australia (WA) premier Roger Cook says this project sets the state up for the long-term. “A world class port in Kwinana is critical for our State to remain a global economic and industrial powerhouse for decades to come, supporting thousands of local WA jobs. Through this design, we can ensure WA can continue to meet trade demand long into the future – while strengthening our supply chain lines and improving road safety in the southern suburbs,” says Cook.
The design of the terminal will accommodate larger ships than the existing Fremantle terminal and incorporates redevelopment of the ageing Kwinana Bulk Terminal jetty. The development’s cost and timings will be completed by mid-2024.
Port and freight network
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says the development of a new container terminal and supporting freight network would represent one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in WA. “Over the past 18 months, the Westport team has undertaken detailed options analysis and engaged with dozens of key stakeholders and experts to develop this preferred design for the port and freight network,” she says.
Saffioti adds the modelling over several years has been consistent and shows Fremantle Port and its surrounding road network will become significantly constrained within the next two decades.
Meanwhile, Port Minister David Michael says having an efficient terminal on Australia’s west coast is essential economic security. “The proposed infrastructure is being planned to be ready when Fremantle meets capacity, ensuring we are making the most of our current port infrastructure, while efficiently and reliably preparing for the future,” he says.
The preferred design of the container would be:
- A container terminal adjacent to the shoreline of the current Kwinana Bulk Terminal.
- A new breakwater to provide enhanced protection to the port and docked ships.
- Major upgrades to key freight roads leading to and from the new container terminal including Anketell Road, Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway
- Duplication of the freight rail between the container terminal and Cockburn.
- Upgrades to key intermodal terminals (IMT) at Kenwick and Forrestfield, and the delivery of a new IMT at Kewdale – establishing a key logistics hub east of Perth where existing industrial land can support significant business activity.
National strategic fleet
Last month, the Australian government announced it will build up a strategic fleet that will add resilience to the nation’s supply chain. The move comes after the Strategic Fleet Taskforce was formed to develop Australia’s shipping fleet.
The government hopes this fleet will improve Australia’s future maritime capability with an Australian-owned and crewed strategic fleet.
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
