The Cook Government is securing the future of trade in Western Australia with $204 million in new investment included in the 2025-26 State Budget for port infrastructure throughout the State.
Those investments – which span ports throughout WA and include major upgrades at Fremantle and major regional ports – will play a vital role in securing the State’s economic future.
The Port of Fremantle will receive a substantial investment in wharf strengthening works, with $88 million allocated to ensuring the Inner Harbour wharves will continue to facilitate trade ahead of the move to Kwinana.
The wharves – built at various times since the 1920s – need regular strengthening to handle the larger vessels and heavier loads now common in the port.
A further $20.3 million will create a new tug facility at J-Berth on the Victoria Quay side of the port, providing the home and services for the fleet of tugs that manage shipping across the port.
Additionally, a raft of investments will be made in regional WA ports, including:
$35 million for resurfacing Utah Point Ring Road in Port Hedland;
$3.5 million for planning and design of new Berths 8-9 at the Port of Geraldton, which will support the import of renewables infrastructure and provide trade capacity for new industry establishing at the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area;
$14 million for the construction of First Point of Entry bio-security infrastructure at the Port of Wyndham to support agricultural and resource development in the East Kimberley;
$500,000 for planning and business case development in support of passenger terminal facilities at the Port of Broome, which will stimulate more cruise vessel visits to the Kimberley and the State, bringing economic benefits to regional WA;
$1.5 million for a permanent barge landing at the Port of Derby to improve the resilience of the region; and
$10.8 million for planning and design of renewal of Berth 1-2 at the Port of Albany. This project will support ongoing cruise vessel activity as well as commercial export and import trades such as grain, fertiliser and mineral sands.
In addition, $5 million will be invested to establish a Supply Chain Resilience Fund, aimed at strengthening our State’s supply chain and shipping capability, complementary to the Federal Government and its Maritime Strategic Fleet project.
Source: Government of Western Australia