- Landmark Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy released
- Part of the Cook Labor Government's plan to turn Perth's major industrial area into a job-creating Global Advanced Industries Hub
- Strategy paves the way for investment to futureproof WA's economy
- $20 million allocated to Kwinana Bulk Jetty expansion as part of the strategy
The Cook Labor Government has today released a landmark new strategy to futureproof Perth's major industrial area and set up the State's economy for the long term.
The Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy will help to realise the Cook Government's vision to transform the precinct into a Global Advanced Industries Hub positioning WA as a leader for defence and clean energy industries, to create long-term local jobs and diversify the State's economy.
The Western Trade Coast covers 3,900 hectares of land in Kwinana, Rockingham and Cockburn and is the only heavy industrial precinct in the Perth metropolitan area, supporting 42,900 direct and indirect jobs almost 3 per cent of the State's entire workforce.
The strategy which was developed by the State Government in partnership with industry, local governments, unions and Traditional Owners identifies investment opportunities to unlock growth in the area.
This includes congestion at key intersections due to increased transport demands of future industrial development in the Western Trade Coast, the availability of industrial land, ageing infrastructure and constraints to supply chain connectivity and continuity.
It features 12 specific strategies across transportation, utilities, maritime, land use and policy and regulatory frameworks.
To kickstart delivery of the strategy, the Cook Government has today announced $20 million to expand capacity at Kwinana Bulk Jetty.
These berths provide essential services to major Kwinana processors, manufacturers and logistics providers, importing much of WA's essential fuel, fertilisers, bitumen and chemical inputs, and handling some dry bulk exports.
The funding will support acquisition of 4.9 hectares of vacant land near Kwinana Bulk Jetty, to develop new storage spaces and logistics infrastructure for the growth of current trades, as well as the import and export capacity for new products.
The Cook Government will also invest a further $2 million to enable Fremantle Ports Authority to plan for a redesign of landside logistics assets and connections, including new sheds, road connections and improved rail sidings.
It builds on the $500 million Strategic Industries Fund announced by the Cook Government in the 2024-25 State Budget, which included a $125 million allocation to open up new industrial land at Latitude 32 in the Western Trade Coast.
Further information on the Western Trade Coast Infrastructure Strategy is available at https://www.investandtrade.wa.gov.au/opportunities/global-advanced-industry-hub/western-trade-coast
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Living in Kwinana, I know how important our industrial area is not only for jobs in the local community, but for our entire State economy.
"I want the Western Trade Coast to continue to deliver for our State for decades to come, and my Government is doing the groundwork to futureproof this important industrial precinct.
"We're already seeing a boom of major job-creating clean energy projects in Kwinana and Rockingham, and with AUKUS set to supercharge our defence industries in the precinct, it's important we lay out our strategy to realise the full potential of a Global Advanced Industries Hub in our southern suburbs.
"This is about setting up our State for the future, locking in quality local jobs and a strong economy for the long-term because my Government will always do what's right for WA."
As stated by Ports Minister David Michael:
"The jetties and berths at Kwinana Bulk Terminal and Kwinana Bulk Jetty have served the State well for over 60 years, and now our Government is looking to the future.
"The $20 million investment in valuable land near Kwinana Bulk Jetty will pave the way for redevelopment of the landside infrastructure and the new industries that will depend on it.
"With Westport on the way, the maritime infrastructure serving the entire Kwinana Industrial precinct is set for redevelopment an important step towards realising the full economic potential of this unique industrial zone."
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
"The Western Trade Coast has developed a reputation as one of the premier heavy industrial precincts globally.
"The transfer of land from DevelopmentWA to Fremantle Ports will help facilitate important Kwinana Bulk Jetty landside efficiencies for the Fremantle Port, port users and ultimately the State.
"The Western Trade Coast has a complex and unique industrial ecosystem which produces a range of industrial products that are vital to diversifying the WA economy and creating new local jobs."
