Redevelopment of some of the business at the port at Fremantle is on the cards after the Premier of Western Australia, Mark McGowan, made a policy announcement earlier this month.
WA is looking to redevelop its inner-city port into a tourist and commercial district, something that has been seen many times around the world as trade outgrows a port, or as a city encroaches on a port.
Up to $5 million will be spent investigating the relocation of the area’s vehicle shipping operations. Similarly, $2 million will be spent towards investigating the feasibility of relocating livestock shipping from the Fremantle Port.
Premier McGowan commented: “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”.
Redevelopment of Victoria Quay is part of the Westport project, which will see a new outer harbour and container port built in Kwinana.