The West Australian government has made huge investments in port and other transport infrastructure – and is looking to do more. The government responds to a series of questions put to them by DCN.
From buying back the state’s freight railways to building a new container port at Kwinana, the West Australian state government has big infrastructure plans to maintain its reputation as Australia’s economic leader.
Too often in the past the state has been let down by infrastructure not up to the job. Cyclones and floods cut off roads and hinder rail but now the state government is investing in the infrastructure needed to ensure the state remains an economic powerhouse.
It already has the highest gross state product per capita at $151,156, 58% above the national average of $96,019. Almost half of Australia’s goods exports are from WA, generating $260 billion in the year to March 2024 and contributing more than 20% of national economic growth in the past five years.
Daily Cargo News put a series of questions to the government about its infrastructure plans.
A spokesperson for the government said WA’s shipping, rail and road networks are integral to its efforts to maintain the state’s economic standing.
The spokesperson said the Westport Business Case found a new container port would be needed in WA by the late 2030s.
“Inaction to address constraints on trade could cost the state’s economy $244 billion over coming decades—an average of $5 billion per year—driving significant increases in the costs of everyday household goods and for WA businesses.
“Final detailed planning for Westport has begun following the completion of the Stage 3 Business Case last year. Project definition planning will support completion of designs, securing approvals, resolving risks and uncertainties, land acquisition and refining costs and construction strategies ahead of final decisions and procurement of capital works contracts.”
“The state government will work with key stakeholders to develop a transition plan for port operations by the late 2030s. Fremantle Ports Authority will be maintaining and investing in its maritime assets in the Inner Harbour to ensure they are fit for purpose until trade is transferred to Westport at Kwinana and potentially other WA locations,” the spokesperson said.
“An $88 million commitment was made for essential wharf strengthening works over the next five years in the 2025/26 state budget. Many of the wharves were originally built about 100 years ago and require continual investment in strengthening works to accommodate larger vessels and growing trade volumes.
“The state government is actively planning to cater for growth in existing trade volumes, potential new trade types such as renewable energy components and the impacts of future Defence initiatives on all of WA’s port facilities.”
“WA’s energy sector has long been shaped by its significant natural resources and world-renowned resources industry. This industry did not happen overnight. The state and commonwealth governments are heavily involved in derisking the significant capital injections required by large commercial joint ventures,” the spokesperson said.
“As a result, WA benefits from a world class industry that is well positioned to assist economies to transition away from coal-fired power and to make the massive investments needed to achieve breakthroughs on projects such as carbon capture and storage.
“That experience demonstrates why WA is also confident it can support value-adding ambitions such as green ammonia and green iron.”
“Cruising generated $385 million for WA in 2023/24 and WA was selected to host the Australian Cruise Association Conference this September in Fremantle. Tourism WA has launched its 10-year Cruise Strategy in late 2023, outlining initiatives to boost WA’s presence in even more cruise ship itineraries,” the spokesperson said.
“The Cook government is advocating for First Port of Entry status for cruise passengers at Broome to further enable cruise tourism for WA, with $500,000 awarded in the 2025-26 state budget to create a business case for a cruise terminal facility at the Port of Broome.
“The state government is proud to be in a unique position where the State maintains ownership of its ports and has made significant investment in port infrastructure across WA in the recent 2025/2026 state budget,” the spokesperson said.
“As part of a $204 million investment in the budget, upgrades will be made across Fremantle Port and other ports across regional WA. This includes $10.8 million for planning and design of renewal of Berth 1-2 at the Port of Albany, $3.5 million for planning and design of new Berths 8-9 at the Port of Geraldton and $35 million for resurfacing Utah Point Ring Road in Port Hedland.
“Additionally, $5 million has also been allocated for a Supply Chain Resilience project, aimed at strengthening WA’s coastal shipping capability. The WA government will integrate its work with the Commonwealth government and its Strategic Shipping Fleet project.
“In the Pilbara, the Port of Port Hedland’s Lumsden Point project continues to go from strength to strength.
The state government is engaging with Brookfield regarding the proposed freight rail buyback of Arc Infrastructure
WA government spokesperson
"This project will further boost the Pilbara region as an economic powerhouse for both WA and Australia through unlocking new industries and creating hundreds of local jobs.
“The Commonwealth government is investing $565 million in common-user port upgrades in the Pilbara, $450 million of which will enable the development of new multi-user facilities and berths at Lumsden Point.”
This is in partnership with the state government, which is contributing $96.6 million to the project.
"Investment in these upgrades will not only help to unlock trade and investment opportunities, but also support a future made in WA.
“Further inland, the state government is engaging with Brookfield regarding the proposed freight rail buyback of Arc Infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.
“The allocation in the budget will assist with the progression of negotiations including the provision of external commercial and legal advice. Engagement of external commercial and legal advice has been undertaken, while other advisory services will be brought in as required.”
This article appeared in the August | September 2025 edition of DCN Magazine