WA Labor to begin planning on major upgrade of Port of Albany

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will begin detailed planning for major upgrades to the Port of Albany, today announcing a $10 million commitment to develop a business case for the critical works.
  • WA Labor to invest $10 million on business case for new general-purpose berth at
  • Port of Albany
  • General-purpose berth would replace existing Berth 1 and 2 at the Port of Albany
  • New general-purpose berth will support growth in trade and tourism

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will begin detailed planning for major upgrades to the Port of Albany, today announcing a $10 million commitment to develop a business case for the critical works.

The upgrades will see the replacement of the ageing Berth 1 and 2 at the Port of Albany, with a new general-purpose berth.

The new general-purpose berth would have increased capacity and functionality to accommodate modern larger vessels such as cruise ships and assist in addressing forecast growth in grain exports, the cruise sector and other trades in the mid-to long-term.

The Port of Albany plays a critical role in exporting grain for famers in the south of the State but has been under growing pressure in recent years with grain exports reaching record levels.

The port is also essential to the tourism industry and local economy, with 15 cruise vessels stopping in Albany last year, each bringing several thousand visitors to the city. Southern Ports’ Strategic Asset Plan estimates the number of cruise vessels visiting the Port of Albany each year will grow to up to 40 cruise vessels by the mid-2030s.

The commitment to begin planning work on the port upgrade follows other significant economic infrastructure commitments and projects delivered by the Cook Labor Government in the last 12 months including the commitment to invest a further $50 million on the South Coast Highway, the construction of a new flyover road at the intersection of Chester Pass Road and Menang Drive, and the opening of the $225 million Albany Ring Road.

Comments attributed to Ports Minister David Michael:

“The Port of Albany is a critical piece of economic infrastructure for Albany and the Great Southern, which is why WA Labor is committed to its continued growth."

“As an exporting state, it’s critical for the ongoing strength of our local industries and economy that our ports keep pace with the growth in exports."

“These upgrades will support the local grain industry in getting more of their goods to the global market at the right time and support small businesses in Albany by allowing more cruise ships to dock in the city.”

Comments attributed to Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:

“Only WA Labor will continue to invest in the infrastructure Albany and the Great Southern needs."

“This commitment to begin the planning work on a new general-purpose berth is critical to the long-term viability of our economy and will support local Albany businesses and Great Southern farmers."

“Whether its planning major upgrades to our port and airport or delivering once-in-a-generation road upgrades, WA Labor is investing in the future of Albany.”

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