Westport WA

🚧 Supporting the future with Anketell Road upgrades

The Australian and Western Australian governments have announced funding to deliver upgrades to Anketell Road – strengthening key freight and road connections in the Western Trade Coast.

The upgrades will support the future Westport container terminal, the redevelopment of the Kwinana Bulk Terminal, surrounding industrial areas, and the future Defence precinct in Henderson.

Stage 1 works include:
• Widening Anketell Road to four lanes between Leath Road and Abercrombie Road
• A grade-separated crossing at Rockingham Road

These upgrades will improve freight efficiency, ease congestion for local communities and support long‑term growth across the Western Trade Coast.

The project also forms part of the future Anketell-Thomas Road Freight Corridor, the State’s long‑term plan to connect Tonkin Highway in Oakford with Kwinana’s strategic port and industrial precincts.

👉 Find out more: https://westport.wa.gov.au/info-hub/news/supporting-the-future-with-anketell-road-upgrades

🌿 Westport is progressing its seagrass restoration program with requests for proposals now open for Innovative Seagrass Restoration Trials in Cockburn Sound.

The aim of the trials is to find new and innovative methods for restoring seagrass as part of Westport’s commitment to the restoration of seagrass meadows in Cockburn Sound.

These early trials in late 2026 and late 2027 are planned well ahead of the port development and build on years of independent, peer-reviewed science from the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program.

Providers with mature or emerging methodologies and solutions for planting seagrass are encouraged to submit a proposal via Tenders WA 👉 https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au/watenders/tender/display/tender-details.action?CSRFNONCE=8962F11F32D13D0AD97E6E3DA2453957&id=68601&action=display-tender-details

Find out more 👉 https://westport.wa.gov.au/info-hub/news/expressions-of-interest-open-for-seagrass-restoration-trials-in-cockburn-sound

The WA Government has introduced new legislation to Parliament to establish a dedicated Authority to deliver the State’s new container port and supporting infrastructure in Kwinana, securing Western Australia’s long-term trade future.

If passed, the Westport Authority would operate as a standalone entity responsible for planning and delivery of the future container port in Kwinana.

Becoming a dedicated authority is the best way to ensure Westport is equipped for mega-project delivery that’s efficient, accountable and offers value for money to Western Australia.

Importantly, the Bill preserves the Environmental Protection Act and makes no changes to the environmental impact assessment process.

The Bill is currently being considered by Parliament. We will keep you updated on the Bill’s progress.

Read more 👉 https://westport.wa.gov.au/info-hub/news/legislation-introduced-to-parliament-to-establish-westport-authority

The results are in from our community Artificial Reef feasibility study survey.

Artificial reefs are being planned as part of Westport’s commitment to enhancing marine habitat and supporting biodiversity in Cockburn Sound, driven by scientific research completed through the WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program.

Key findings include:
👉 91% of respondents were supportive of installing artificial reefs in and around Cockburn Sound.
👉 top preference for the purpose of the artificial reefs was habitat creation for marine life.

Thank you to everyone who provided responses to the survey. From fishers and divers, to local clubs and conservation groups, to residents, community input is vital to ensuring this work delivers shared value and benefits.

Find out more and read the full report 👉 https://westport.wa.gov.au/info-hub/news/artificial-reef-survey-results

🚢 Westport has appointed its marine and port infrastructure technical advisor.

The Worley Arcadis Joint Venture will be integrated with the Westport team to progress key components of the port’s design - including the channel, breakwater, quay line, port precinct and connections to road and rail networks.

The team brings substantial specialist design expertise as we progress to the next stage of design for WA’s future container port in Kwinana.

Find out more: https://westport.wa.gov.au/info-hub/news/westport-appoints-technical-advisor

🎄Santa may get the spotlight, but container ships help deliver many of the goods that make WA's festive season possible.

From toys under the tree to decorations in our homes, container trade plays a vital role in supporting our lifestyle and economy.

As our population and economy continue to grow, we’re planning a new container port in Kwinana – with room to expand and upgraded road and rail freight connections.

This will ensure WA’s container supply chain remains efficient and reliable for generations to come.

👉 Learn more about how we are securing our state's future on our website: https://westport.wa.gov.au/about/why-westport

✨ With the holiday season upon us, we wish you a safe and happy festive season and a smooth sailing into 2026 from all of us at Westport.

Want to keep up to date with Westport in 2026? Make sure you’re subscribed to our Community Newsletter.

Receive the latest information, news and articles on the progress of planning for the future container port in Kwinana to secure WA’s long-term future economy and lifestyle.

👉 Subscribe on our website by selecting “general progress updates” https://westport.wa.gov.au/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent pop-up at The Local Farmers Market Honeywood. It was great to discuss the planning for the future container port in Kwinana and answer your questions.

One frequently asked question was: “What is the timing for the construction and future operations of the port?”

Before construction begins, we have to work through project definition. This includes design optimisation, site investigations, development of construction strategies, land assembly, and progressing environmental and heritage approvals.

Subject to environmental approvals and a final investment decision by the State Government, construction is expected to commence in the late 2020s, paving the way for container trade to transition from Fremantle to Kwinana in the late 2030s.

Find more information about the program stages on our website: https://westport.wa.gov.au/about/program-stages

What does it take to plan a sustainable port built with nature in mind, in one of Western Australia’s most complex marine environments?

Westport and the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) partnered on a three-year research program to find out – bringing together over 150 scientists to study Cockburn Sound in depth.

Their work is already influencing design decisions and setting a new benchmark for how science can guide long-term environmental planning and restoration.

🔗 Find out how marine science is being used to inform infrastructure planning at https://westport.wa.gov.au/info-hub/news/science-in-the-sound