EVALUATION COMPLETE
The Westport (Kwinana port development) proposal represents a proactive solution to support continued growth in container trade for Western Australia, by relocating Western Australia’s primary container port from Fremantle to a new facility at Kwinana. This transition will require enabling infrastructure, including upgrades to road, rail, and intermodal networks, to ensure efficient, resilient, and sustainable freight supply chains, aligning with the objectives of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy and the Infrastructure Policy Statement.
Upgrades to Anketell Road are identified as priority enabling infrastructure, providing a strategic freight corridor linking the new Westport terminal to interstate road and rail networks. The proposal aligns with national priorities to strengthen supply‑chain resilience, support industry growth and reduce congestion and emissions through more efficient freight movement.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
As the first component of enabling infrastructure, staged upgrades to Anketell Road between Leath Road and the Kwinana Freeway will enable efficient, reliable and safe freight access to the proposed Westport port development. The upgrades will minimise impacts on the existing road network during construction of the new port, and service freight demand once it is operational. Works include major services relocations, road widening, intersection upgrades and corridor enhancements to support port construction and long‑term freight operations.
INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The Australian Government should consider prioritising the proposal for delivery investment, subject to confirming the timing of relocating Perth’s container terminal from Fremantle to Kwinana with the Western Australian Government.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES
The proposal has the potential to:
- Strengthen national freight efficiency – upgraded access to the future Westport container terminal will reduce travel times, improve reliability and support lower vehicle operating costs for freight and general road users.
- Ease congestion pressures and improve safety – Anketell Road upgrades will enable freight access to the proposed Westport port development, supporting a shift of heavy‑vehicle movements away from residential areas and improving corridor design that will reduce crash risks and ease pressure on local roads.
- Support long‑term economic growth – efficient port operations at Westport will protect Western Australia’s trade capacity, boost industry development in the Western Trade Coast and enhance national supply‑chain resilience.
- Improve environmental outcomes – more efficient freight routing and reduced network delays will support lower emissions, contributing to broader sustainability objectives for the Westport program.
NEXT STEPS
Infrastructure Australia has evaluated the Final Business Case for Anketell Road Upgrades Stage 1.
Proponent to develop Final Business Cases (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework) for other enabling infrastructure for the Westport program for evaluation and investment consideration in the future.