Logistics, Ports & Terminals

Work begins on new Kwinana freight corridor

Planning is underway for a major freight corridor in Kwinana, Western Australia following the release of the Westport Taskforce Stage 2 Report, which recommended a land-backed port be built within the Kwinana Industrial Area.

The recommended container port at Kwinana includes upgrading Anketell Road into a freight route connecting the port directly to Tonkin Highway and the logistics precincts in outer the Perth metropolitan area.

Some sections of Anketell Road already have a Planning Control Area in place, which protects the area as a freight corridor, while other parts of the road will need such plans put in place to ensure that future development considers the planned freight corridor.

The Western Australian Government has allocated $25 million from the $97.2 million budget for planning, corridor design and community engagement, along with potential land acquisition along the roads.

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and Main Roads WA will undertake environmental assessments and planning designs to help inform new Planning Control Areas, which will eventually become amendments to the Metropolitan Region Scheme. This is expected to take place progressively over the next four years.

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Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the release of the independent Westport Taskforce report is a blueprint for Western Australia’s future prosperity.

“It outlines the need for a new container port at Kwinana supported by an efficient, modern freight corridor via Anketell Road and Tonkin Highway stretching from Muchea to the South-West and connecting to the new port,” she said.

“Rail upgrades under investigation include duplication of a 13km section of track between Kwinana and Cockburn and a marshalling yard at Kwinana. An upgraded rail network could support at least 1.7M TEU on rail and also provide efficiencies for bulk freight traffic servicing export berths and industrial facilities in Kwinana.

“With a port location now confirmed, we can commence detailed planning and design to formalise the transport corridors that will support this new freight infrastructure.”

Saffioti said the State Government has put in place planning instruments to protect parts of Anketell Road from contrary development to ensure the full route is secure.

“I want to make it clear this is the very beginning of the process – we will continue to consult with the local community, connect with landowners and local governments, and undertake design and environmental assessments to ensure we build a modern freight corridor that meets the needs for Perth for generations to come,” she said.

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