THE WESTERN Australian government will test private-sector appetite for expanding capacity at Kwinana Bulk Jetty, launching an expression of interest (EOI) process aimed at addressing near-term trade constraints and strengthening supply chain resilience at Kwinana Port.
The EOI, due to be released on 10 November, will seek feedback from industry on potential financing, development and operational models for additional infrastructure that could increase throughput at the strategically important bulk facility.
The process is expected to provide government with a clearer understanding of the market's capability to deliver near-term capacity solutions.
The EOI signals the state government's intention to pursue interim capacity solutions at Kwinana while larger Westport-related redevelopment projects continue to progress, reflecting growing pressure on bulk import infrastructure servicing WA industry and agriculture.
Kwinana Bulk Jetty handles fertiliser products that support Western Australia's agricultural sector as well as a range of industrial commodities imported through the state's largest industrial precinct.
According to the state government, the proposal forms part of its broader strategy to support freight growth and industrial development within the Western Trade Coast (an industrial area along Perth's metropolitan south coast), which contributes up to $20 billion annually to the WA economy and supports around 43,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Ports minister Stephen Dawson said the jetty was a critical piece of infrastructure, supporting the movement of commodities relied on by WA businesses and communities.
He said the government was committed to ensuring port infrastructure remained efficient, reliable and capable of supporting future trade growth.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti said increasing pressure on freight networks meant governments needed to continue examining options to ensure infrastructure kept pace with industry requirements.
The EOI will assess a range of potential delivery models while maintaining alignment with the long-term Westport program and future development plans for the Kwinana industrial area. The initiative also complements the planned Kwinana Bulk Terminal Redevelopment, identified as a key enabling project for Westport's long-term freight strategy.
The market process is scheduled to close on 23 December.