THE WESTERN Australian Government has opened tenders to progress planning for rail freight improvements to support the transfer of container trades from Fremantle’s Inner Harbour to the new Westport at Kwinana.
The Request for Proposals invites companies to form an integrated project team to undertake the definition phase of the work, which will see new freight rail connections into the future Kwinana container port, duplication of freight rail between Kwinana and Cockburn, including removing existing rail level crossings, and replacing the existing North Lake Road rail level crossing in South Lake with a new bridge.
The project definition phase will include developing reference designs, community and stakeholder engagement, geotechnical and environmental site investigations, and progressing regulatory approvals to enable construction to proceed once funding is allocated.
"We know rail is the safest and most efficient way to transport containers, and these upgrades are essential to increasing our container-on-rail mode share considerably once the new port container terminal opens,” transport minister Rita Saffioti said.
"Our aim is to move more containers off our roads and onto rail, making our entire container supply chain safer and more efficient.
"This work will also be a game changer for local communities by removing bottlenecks like the North Lake Road level crossing, making it safer and less congested,” the minister said.
"Westport will futureproof WA's trade capabilities for the next century, ensuring costs for imports, exports, and everyday goods remain low."
Planning for a new container port at Kwinana is being jointly funded by the federal and state governments.
The Request for Proposals is now open, with contract award anticipated in the first half of 2026.