Infrastructure WA (IWA) has endorsed the Westport Business Case, backing the State Government’s plan to transition container trade from Fremantle to a new terminal at Kwinana by the late 2030s.
In its statutory assessment report released this month, IWA found the business case presents a “clear strategic rationale” for investment, supported by strong alignment with state infrastructure priorities, robust planning, and a rigorous design process.
The endorsement clears the way for the Westport Program to proceed to definition and reference design stages, with $273 million in funding already committed.
The Westport Business Case makes a compelling economic case for action.
It estimates that failing to resolve capacity constraints at Fremantle Port could cost the Western Australian economy up to $244 billion by the mid-2070s – equivalent to around $5 billion annually.
Fremantle Port, which currently handles 99 per cent of the state’s container trade, is expected to reach its capacity of 1.4 million containers per year by 2040, or potentially sooner under high growth scenarios.
A two-year comparative analysis of options confirmed that building a new terminal in Kwinana – and transitioning operations in a single step before major investments are required at Fremantle – delivers the best value for money, with a benefit-cost ratio of 4.04 under a 4 per cent discount rate.
Alternatives such as extending Fremantle’s capacity or running two ports concurrently were found to be less efficient, more disruptive, and significantly more costly.
Westport’s preferred design integrates marine and landside infrastructure, including a new breakwater and channel, rail duplication, and upgrades to Anketell Road and the Kwinana Freeway.
It also incorporates sustainability features such as expanded rail share, seagrass restoration, and a pathway to net zero emissions by 2050.
In its report, IWA acknowledged the complexity of delivering Westport alongside other major infrastructure projects in the Western Trade Coast and highlighted the need for whole-of-government coordination to manage delivery risks.
The endorsement provides “further assurance for Western Australians that Westport has undertaken a thorough and exhaustive planning process”, according to Acting Transport Minister John Carey.
The Westport project is considered nationally significant and has already attracted federal funding support. A final investment decision is expected later this decade, following the completion of definition works and environmental approvals.
