The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are strengthening Western Australia’s supply chain resilience with a landmark $1.1 billion investment for crucial road connections to the proposed future Westport container terminal in Kwinana.
The Australian Government’s investment of $552 million will be delivered through the upcoming Federal Budget and matched by the Western Australian Government.
The project will ensure the proposed Westport container terminal and redeveloped bulk terminal, as well as the wider Western Trade Coast, have the road connections required to boost long-term trade and economic growth, support housing supply, and improve productivity in the defence and critical minerals industries.
Funding will deliver the first stage of significant upgrades to Anketell Road including expanding the road to four lanes between Leath Road and Abercrombie Road and a grade separation at Rockingham Road. This will significantly increase the efficiency of freight movements, reduce traffic for residents and support connection for future port expansions.
Anketell Road is an important freight route that is expected to become the heavy-vehicle route of choice linking Leath Road and the Kwinana Freeway.
These upgrades will shift heavy vehicle traffic away from residential areas to reduce congestion, improve safety and travel times on local roads.
The project will also support lower emissions through more efficient freight routing and reduced network delays.
This announcement builds on the significant infrastructure program being delivered by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments -- including METRONET, the Tonkin Highway Corridor and the Outback Way.
The Australian Government has also committed $350 million towards upgrading the Kwinana Freeway, which will be essential in servicing the proposed Westport precinct.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“In uncertain times, Australians can be assured we are getting on with the job of delivering landmark projects that will unlock long term social and economic benefits for Australians.
“Upgrading Anketell Road will ensure Western Australia’s trade capacity can realise its potential.
“Providing clear and efficient access to the future Westport precinct will support long-term economic growth of Western Australian industries, boosting the local and national economy and creating jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Premier Roger Cook:
“Western Australia’s economy is the strongest in the nation, and the future container port in Kwinana coupled with the Western Trade Coast will play a significant role in maintaining that strength.
"Upgrading Anketell Road will help deliver deliver this once-in-a-century economic infrastructure for WA.
“It will ensure our State has what it needs to meet my government’s priorities— including becoming a renewable energy superpower and a place that makes more things here.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“This upgrade to Anketell Road is a huge investment in the future supply chains of Western Australia.
“A wider, safer Anketell Road will increase freight throughput to a future Westport precinct, reducing travel times and lowering cost of freight for businesses and consumers alike.
“This will also take more freight off our local roads and make it safer for residents in Rockingham and the surrounding suburbs to get around.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We're delivering Westport to keep Western Australia's economy the strongest in the nation, and these upgrades to Anketell Road mark the first major infrastructure project that will enable that vision.
“Anketell Road is a critical east-west connection, and these upgrades will ensure freight movements in and out of the future port precinct and surrounding industrial areas are safe and efficient for all road users.
"By future-proofing WA's trade capabilities for the next century, we're ensuring costs for imports, exports and everyday goods remain low and creating a pipeline of jobs for Western Australians.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Brand Madeleine King:
“This funding will mean workers in Perth’s southern suburbs will spend less time behind the wheel and more time with family and friends.
“It will ease freight congestion, make freight transport safer, back in our truckies and support the continuing unmatched economic powerhouse that is the Kwinana Industrial Area.”