New Freight Hub To Help Future-Proof WA’s Supply Chain

The number of truck journeys is forecast to be cut and congestion eased with the opening of a new $25 million freight transfer terminal in Kenwick WA.

Around 200,000 containers will move annually by rail between Fremantle Port, the future Westport and Kenwick, meaning an estimated drop in truck journeys by 135,000 a year.

It is also expected to boost freight productivity and supply chain efficiency.

The Kenwick Intermodal Terminal (IMT) is funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments ($5 million each) and Arc Infrastructure ($15 million).

Located within Arc Infrastructure’s rail freight facility, the terminal allows the safe and efficient transfer of container freight between rail and road by connecting to the Roe Highway Logistics Park, industrial warehouse precincts and major road freight routes.

All fully loaded containers that move between Kenwick IMT and the Port of Fremantle are eligible for the State Government’s current $50 per twenty-foot equivalent unit container rail subsidy to make moving freight by rail more cost-competitive.

The project supports the State Government’s target of moving 20 per cent of container freight via rail, and Westport’s plans for a new container port to facilitate the state’s long-term economic growth and diversification.

Released in November last year, the preferred Westport design includes a new port in Kwinana, supported by an upgraded road and rail freight network and intermodal terminals at Kenwick, Kewdale and Forrestfield.

Around 200,000 containers will move annually by rail between Fremantle Port, the future Westport and Kenwick

“Improving the efficiency and resilience of our supply chains, particularly in Western Australia, is a priority for the Albanese Government,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King says.

“Western Australia continues to be a big driver of the national economy, and ensuring freight movement is as efficient as possible will continue to grow the economy and create new jobs for Western Australians.

“The new Kenwick IMT will support the movement of up to 200,000 shipping containers each year and play critical role in Western Australia’s future freight logistics network, alongside Westport.”

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti adds that the opening of the Kenwick IMT is a “great step forward in our Government’s plans to build an efficient and resilient supply chain that can stand up to future demand”.

“We have made it a strategic priority to increase the volume of freight on rail because we know it improves efficiency and safety, while reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.

“Our Westport planning has shown that containerised freight will grow significantly in the coming decades and the Kenwick IMT gives us a welcome capacity injection into our network.

“Together with other hubs in Kewdale and Forrestfield, it is an important part of our landside logistics that will complement a world-leading and sustainable port in Kwinana.

“Hundreds of thousands of shipping containers can be moved via rail through this facility, freeing up our road network and establishing a logistics hub to support our state’s long-term freight transport needs.”