The 2025–26 Western Australian State Budget outlines $204 million in new port infrastructure investment, with additional funding for Westport and roads.
Civil engineers and freight planners are likely to welcome the immediate works pipeline but may be concerned by the lack of continuity and strategic materials planning.
According to the Budget Papers, key allocations include:
- $88 million for strengthening wharves at Fremantle’s Inner Harbour, preparing for container trade capacity before transition to Kwinana in the 2030s
- $20.3 million for a tug boat facility at J-Berth, Victoria Quay
- $35 million for resurfacing the Utah Point Ring Road in Port Hedland
- $3.5 million to progress planning for Berths 8–9 at Geraldton, enabling renewable infrastructure imports tied to Oakajee development
- $14 million for biosecurity infrastructure at Wyndham
- $10.8 million for planning and design work to renew Berths 1–2 at Albany
Several of these items – such as Albany’s renewal and Geraldton’s expansion – build on work already underway. Budget documents confirm these allocations are largely new and above baseline levels.
Also announced is a $5 million Supply Chain Resilience Fund, aimed at complementing the Commonwealth’s Strategic Maritime Fleet initiative. Details on implementation remain unclear.
Westport, WA’s long-term container port replacement project, receives:
- $61.3 million in new funding for detailed planning, including commercial, inland logistics and design works
- $17.4 million for environmental initiatives including seagrass restoration, artificial reefs, and local amenity improvements in Cockburn Sound
These are in addition to the previously funded $13.5 million Marine Science Program and do not yet include the formal offset package still under development.
The Westport business case, cited in the budget, warns of economic losses of up to $244 billion by mid-century if no replacement for Fremantle Port is delivered. The budget does not appear to contain a capital timeline or committed construction funding for the new Kwinana port.
The Budget includes $599 million across several new road projects, mostly tied to election commitments. Projects relevant to freight and civil infrastructure include:
- Widening of Kwinana Freeway between Roe Highway and Mortimer Road
- Intersection upgrades across Wanneroo Road and Baldivis
- $25 million for upgrades to South Coast Highway
- $25 million for Northam Pithara Road realignment and bridge work
Despite the new spending, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) raised concern about a sharp drop in infrastructure spend forecast from 2025–2027, warning of a future supply crunch in aggregates and cement once major projects ramp back up after 2027. CCAA is urging government to bring forward “shovel-ready” projects to maintain supply chain capability.
Southern Ports CEO Keith Wilks has welcomed the $11 million planning funding for Albany upgrades, stating it would “bring the project a step closer” and secure trade and cruise viability for the Great Southern. He also flagged the South West’s future role in supporting advanced manufacturing through port-linked industrial infrastructure in Bunbury.
In contrast, heavy construction materials suppliers say the budget risks creating a supply shock. Without coordinated planning, delays and cost blowouts could plague long-term projects like Westport, Defence upgrades, and airport expansions.
While the WA Government has allocated meaningful new money for freight and port upgrades, particularly in Fremantle and Geraldton, the overall capital profile suggests a dip in infrastructure work until the next surge post-2027.
