- $18.7 million in 2024-25 State Budget to replace Barrack Street Jetty One
- Infrastructure upgrade to support tourism and charter operators
- Four-year project to enhance safety and inject new energy to Barrack Square
- Cook Labor Government also confirms $2m feasibility study for ferry service expansion
The Cook Labor Government will deliver an $18.7 million revamp of jetty infrastructure at one of Perth's most iconic waterfront precincts, supporting improvements to tourism and charter operations on the Swan River.
Barrack Square and its jetties form one of Perth's busiest waterfront tourism locations, neighbouring Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower.
Jetty One has been in service for more than 50 years, nearly double its original 30-year design life, with the Department of Transport undertaking remediation works in recent years due to degraded wood piling.
Replacement of the jetty will breathe new life into the Barrack Square precinct, with use of Jetty One having been limited in recent years.
The project also includes replacement of a section of substructure supporting the Old Perth Port Building.
The upgrade of the jetty will be funded out of the Perth Parking Management Account, supporting the expansion of tourism businesses and operators in the area.
The project is one of several State Labor Government projects to activate the Swan River around Perth, including:
- the iconic Causeway pedestrian bridges project, currently under construction;
- the WACA redevelopment, currently under construction;
- the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, currently in its planning phase, and;
- the revamp of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
A tender process for the design and construction of the new jetty is expected to commence later this year, with construction set to begin in 2025-26.
The planned upgrade to Jetty One comes as the Cook Government announces the next phase in its plans for an expanded ferry service on the Swan River.
A $2 million feasibility investigation will be funded in the upcoming State Budget, allowing the Public Transport Authority to undertake detailed analysis of an expansion to ferry services.
These feasibility investigations will include assessments of the best locations for new ferry terminals, potential designs for new ferries, terminals and berths, geotechnical and civil engineering analysis, and dredging assessments.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Barrack Square is an iconic location in our city, but some of the jetty infrastructure is in dire need of replacement.
"We've undertaken remediation works in recent years, but this investment will completely replace Jetty One - returning it to its original state and reopening its use for tourism operators.
"Our Government is committed to maximising the use of our waterways, which is why funding is being allocated in the upcoming State Budget for the next phase of planning for a ferry expansion.
"We will be allocating $2m for the Public Transport Authority to undertake feasibility investigations into the most appropriate locations for potential terminals - as well as design work and geotechnical and civil engineering analysis."
As stated by Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:
"This is an exciting project that will see critical jetty infrastructure renewed and add vibrancy to an historic and culturally sensitive part of the Perth waterfront.
"The project is in its very early stages, and the Department of Transport recently commenced consultation with the Traditional Owners of the area as part of the heritage approvals process.
"Collaboration with stakeholders will be an important part of the delivery of this important renewal project which will have many benefits for on-water operations at Barrack Square."
