The movement of container trade from Western Australia’s Fremantle port to the Westport terminal in Kwinana will change the face of transport and logistics in the region, and a plan to transform Fremantle Port has officially earned the stamp of approval from the state government.
Once the container port services are relocated away from Fremantle, the remaining land and adjacent area has capacity for:
- Up to 45,000 additional jobs across diversified industry sectors.
- Up to 20,000 new homes including social housing.
- Up to 55,000 new residents.
- Potential to generate $13.6 billion in Gross State Product annually.
- A district that would attract international commercial and investment opportunities.
The harbour would continue to cater for passenger cruise, visiting naval and recreational vessels.
Transport Minister and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti says the shifting of container shipping services away from Fremantle Port has offered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-establish the area’s function.
“We have committed $273 million to progress detailed planning for a new container port, setting up Western Australia for the next century,” Saffioti says.
“By relocating these services further south on our coastline, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our harbour city and deliver new maritime, tourism, housing, employment and cultural experiences in Fremantle.
“It is important to plan for the future now by understanding the capacity and potential of this iconic part of our coastline and the economic opportunities it can deliver for the future of our state – including an extra $13.6 billion in Gross State Product.”
Over 12 months of extensive community and stakeholder engagement and over 1000 ideas and comments have helped inform the plan with inputs from interest groups, the City of Fremantle, local businesses and community organisations, Aboriginal Elders, youth focus groups and the wider community.
“We have this opportunity to reimagine the next evolution of Fremantle through the redevelopment of the port precinct – into a new iconic destination,” Planning Minister John Carey says.
“This is a bold vision that will reinforce Fremantle’s identity as an eclectic, dynamic and resilient waterfront city and one of the world’s great places to live, work and visit.
“We have the opportunity for a transformative change for Fremantle over the next 20-40 years and this project has provided the first steps for sustainable growth that will deliver social, economic and environmental benefits.”