The McGowan Labor Government's work to revitalise and re-energise Victoria Quay as part of the Westport project continues, with the 2022-23 State Budget investing millions towards transforming the historic precinct.
The Westport project will see a new outer harbour and container port built in Kwinana, opening up incredible new jobs, tourism and economic development potential around Fremantle Port.
Many global cities have renewed their old working ports into vibrant entertainment, arts and tourism hubs, with work well underway to create a vision for a revitalised Victoria Quay.
The Future of Fremantle Planning Committee is currently developing options which will see the inner harbour transformed into a new, vibrant waterfront precinct.
An initial $7.5 million is being invested to enhance public space at the historic port, providing shade, seating, landscaping, improved public space, and pedestrian and cycle pathways, with works expected to start later this year.
Stronger connections will be made from connecting Victoria Quay to the train station and to Bathers Beach.
Up to $5 million will be spent investigating the relocation of the area's vehicle shipping operations, opening up the area for new community, business or tourism opportunities.
Similarly, $2 million will be spent towards investigating the feasibility of relocating livestock shipping from the Fremantle Port. This relocation will create new options for Fremantle and a potential economic development opportunity for regional Western Australia.
A further $2.5 million will assist the Future of Fremantle project to continue examining land use and economic development opportunities in and around Victoria Quay.
$3.5 million is also included in the Budget to undertake works at and around the historic HMAS Ovens submarine at the WA Maritime Museum.
The McGowan Government's work to improve Victoria Quay and the wider Fremantle area is well underway, with WA brewer Gage Roads setting up shop in the historic A-Shed, and planning and development of the $280 million Swan River Crossings project continuing.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Victoria Quay has remarkable potential to become one of Western Australia's best entertainment, tourism and cultural precincts.
"It is a stunning location with incredible historical value, which offers amazing opportunities for Fremantle.
"Many of the great cities of the world have transformed their historic ports into wonderful community and entertainment assets, and my Government is focused on creating something terrific for Fremantle.
"By relocating the area's livestock and vehicle shipping operations away from their current locations, we can ultimately open up and activate this waterfront precinct.
"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."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Victoria Quay waterfront is a special place with an amazing history and it's clearly loved by tourists and locals alike. This is why we are enhancing this space so that even more people can enjoy it.
"By providing more welcoming spaces and highlighting the history, we are making it far more accessible and providing 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.
"This commitment of $7.5 million will significantly improve this space and I look forward to seeing the progress."
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"The State Government has a strong vision for Fremantle and is committed to creating a vibrant and exciting waterfront that can be enjoyed by both locals and tourists for years to come.
"Fremantle already has so much to offer and the transformation of Victoria Quay will unlock its massive tourism and people-friendly potential, which to date has 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."
