Future opportunities for economic growth in Perth were outlined in a market briefing for the Westport project, an infrastructure plan which includes a new container port and aims to address long-term freight needs, ahead of a number of tenders and contracts being released over the coming months.
Industry representatives learned how one of Australia’s most complex infrastructure projects would support local jobs in the southern suburbs and in the evolution of Fremantle, ahead of tenders being issued to help prepare the program’s business case.
Planning, design, environmental and analysis experts are required to assist in undertaking the commercial and economic, landside and portside logistics and environment and social streams of work to complete a business case on the project for the State Government to consider.
The Westport business case will identify design options for the new port and transport corridors that are sustainable and meet operational requirements, potential land requirements; and when and how the new infrastructure should be delivered.
As part of the market briefing, Westport released its roadmap for this transformational project.
Developing a new container port in Cockburn Sound’s industrial area was first identified in the 1955 Stephenson-Hepburn Report, and confirmed by the Western Australia Government in 2020 after an independent and comprehensive comparison of a number of potential options.
Over the coming months a number of tenders and contracts will be released to market via TendersWA.
Western Australia’s Minister for Transport and Ports, Rita Saffioti, said, “Today’s industry briefing is a key step in making the Westport program a reality.
“We have already allocated $25 million towards planning for a new freight corridor between Anketell Road and Thomas Road, and the next step in the program is to open tenders for the completion of a business case for the project.
“Planning for a new port is extremely complex, and that is why we want to partner with businesses that can bring world-class knowledge to the project.
“This briefing will enable businesses to get a better understanding of the Westport program and how they can be part of the infrastructure plan for Perth’s future.”
