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Posted by Allen Newton
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8 May, 2026
THE COOK government has delivered a modest uplift for Western Australia’s port infrastructure in the 2026–27 state budget, with Bunbury emerging as the primary beneficiary of the new allocations.
While the budget papers highlight “quality roads and ports infrastructure”, most of the major spending remains concentrated in the road network, with only a small portion representing new port‑related investment.
The headline port item is $89.1 million for the next phase of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project, funding a new recreation precinct, additional boat pens and upgrades to the outer seawall. This is a new tranche of capital funding, building on earlier stages delivered in previous budgets.
The government has also committed $4.8 million to begin long‑term planning for additional capacity at Bunbury Port, marking what appears to be the only other piece of genuinely new port‑specific funding in this year’s budget.
Other port‑related items highlighted are not new. The $50 million Zone 5 Bypass Channel at Port Hedland — described as supporting iron‑ore export growth — is a previously announced, user‑funded project already in the Pilbara Ports capital pipeline. Similarly, the “more than $30 million” allocated to maritime asset maintenance is part of the Department of Transport’s ongoing statewide program and does not represent new investment.
Ports minister Stephen Dawson said the government’s focus was on preparing Bunbury for future growth while supporting operational resilience at Port Hedland. “Our ports drive Western Australia’s economic growth, and the state budget is investing in infrastructure to keep our state moving forward,” he said.
Across the broader transport portfolio, the budget delivers $3.6 billion for regional roads over four years, including major upgrades to Anketell Road, Great Northern Highway and Toodyay Road.
A state government media release on Thursday said the road upgrades will improve freight efficiency and safety for all road users, as well as support the construction and future operation of the new Westport container terminal and productivity across the wider Western Trade Coast.
The budget also included $139 million for public transport infrastructure.
But for the ports sector, the new funding remains targeted and relatively limited, with Bunbury the clear focus of this year’s allocations.
