The Westport Taskforce is pushing for the relocation of Western Australia's primary container port from Fremantle to Kwinana, anticipating a hefty price tag of $7 billion for the ambitious project, that the government aims to complete by the late 2030s. The proposed move is motivated by the need to avoid Fremantle Port hitting capacity, which experts warn could have detrimental effects on the state's economy.
The business case put forward by the Westport Taskforce emphasizes the importance of acting before Fremantle Port becomes overwhelmed, projecting substantial financial losses of around $5 billion per year for Western Australia if the current port reaches its limits. This potential scenario has prompted the government to commit $273 million towards detailed planning and approvals for the Kwinana relocation project, with the intention to award capital works contracts and potentially commence construction within the next five years.
Premier Roger Cook has been vocal in his support for transitioning the main port to Kwinana, citing the need for a more efficient and effective solution compared to the existing Fremantle Port, which has been in operation since 1897. Cook envisions the relocation not only as an economic imperative but also as an opportunity to revitalize the Kwinana area, turning the land currently occupied by Fremantle Port into a hub for housing, hospitality, and tourism. The plan includes widening key roadways such as Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway to accommodate the increased traffic flow associated with the new port setup.