The Federal Government has announced that, in the 2024-25 Budget, it has committed $33.5 million towards planning works to support the development of Westport.
The project includes planning a new port and the connected road, rail and logistics operations required to move container trade from Fremantle to Kwinana.
This commitment will progress planning that is critical to facilitate construction of Westport, including:
- Upgrading Anketell Road West
- Kwinana Freeway widening
- Roe Highway widening
- Freight rail duplication and level crossing removal
The Federal Government said that it has been working closely with the Western Australian Government to deliver a port that meets the latest global standards of technology, sustainability and efficiency while building in the capacity for change and innovation.
The Federal Government’s $33.5 million investment will match the state’s contribution, taking the total investment for this planning phase to $67 million.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the government is committed to building a Future Made in Australia and that this project is an example of how it is doing that.
“Western Australia is the economic engine room of Australia, and this port will be a critical hub,” Mr Albanese said.
“We are pleased to work with the Western Australian Government to deliver this project.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the government is working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that increases opportunities and connections, builds communities and improves safety.
“The hard work we undertook to clean up the mess in the infrastructure pipeline means there is room to deal with ongoing cost pressures and plan for future projects.”
Image: Nigel Jarvis/shutterstock.com
