THE WEST Australian state government is on the lookout for a contractor with “demonstrated expertise in the design and construction of marine infrastructure”, to deliver two new ferry terminals on the Swan River.
The contracts for the ferry terminals at Applcross and Matilda Bay follow on from a contract awarded in December to Echo Marine Group to design and construct five new electric ferries to operate an expanded ferry service on the Swan River, which is expected to start in late 2027.
The tender will call for a single contractor which the state government said in a media statement would ensure design consistency across the two sites and enhancing construction efficiencies.
The contract for the two terminals comes in the face of opposition from river users who believe the expanded ferry service will be a danger to recreational boat users and swimmers.
However, the media release said the jointly federal and state government funded $107 million METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project is “set to transform connectivity on the Swan River, improving public transport options for locals and visitors”.
A further $10 million has been invested by the Australian government to plan and design a future extension of the network to potential new stops in key riverside locations such as Maylands, Point Fraser, Burswood, Optus Stadium, Claisebrook, Belmont and Rivervale.
Both terminals will feature a fixed jetty, sheltered passenger waiting area, gangway and ferry berths. At Matilda Bay, provision will also be made for electric ferry charging infrastructure.
The Matilda Bay terminal, located centrally along Hackett Drive, will provide improved connections to The University of Western Australia Crawley campus, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and the surrounding riverfront area.
The new ferry terminal at Applecross, on the north side of the existing Raffles Complex, will better connect this growing urban precinct and is within walking distance of the Canning Bridge Station.
The WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure will oversee the design and construction of the two terminals.
Concurrently, the Public Transport Authority is progressing the construction of a new additional passenger boarding area at the existing Elizabeth Quay ferry terminal, as well as upgrades to the Barrack Square Jetty to allow for the overnight berthing of four ferries.
Works will also include the construction of new toilet and charging facilities at Matilda Bay, including a new bus/ferry interchange embayment on Hackett Drive.
The call for tenders will open on Tuesday, with more information available at TendersWA.