FURTHER funding has been committed to the Fremantle’s Westport project, which includes the establishment of a new outer harbour and container port built in Kwinana.
Under a multimillion-dollar package, $5 million has been allocated to investigating the relocation of the area’s vehicle shipping operations, and $2 million toward investigating the feasibility of relocating livestock shipping from Fremantle Port.
The relocation will reportedly create new options for Fremantle and a potential economic development opportunity for regional Western Australia.
A further $2.5 million has been committed to a project to continue examining land use and economic development opportunities in and around Victoria Quay.
The budget also allocates $7.5 million to enhancing the public space at the historic port, and $3.5 million to undertake works at the HMAS Ovens submarine at the WA Maritime Museum.
Premier Mark McGowan said by relocating of the area’s livestock and vehicle shipping operations away from their current locations, the government will be able to activate the waterfront precinct as a community asset.
“Our initial $7.5 million investment will improve amenity and access to the area, as we continue to transform Victoria Quay into something which all Western Australians can be proud of,” he said.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the addition of welcoming spaces and an emphasis on the port’s history will provide opportunities for further commercial and recreational use of the quay.
“This is the first stage of the evolution of the Inner Harbour port area under the Future of Fremantle project and the broader transformational Westport project, under which new container port facilities will be built at Kwinana,” Ms Saffioti said.
“This commitment of $7.5 million will significantly improve this space and I look forward to seeing the progress.”
State member for Fremantle Simone McGurk said Victoria Quay’s potential tourism opportunities have been “tied up in industrial use”.
“This significant investment will help breathe new life into Victoria Quay while retaining the history that makes Fremantle so special.”
Works on Victoria Quay and the wider Fremantle area are reportedly well underway, including planning and development of the $280 million Swan River Crossings project.
