Perth ferry expansion powers ahead as terminals approved
A landmark expansion of Perth's ferry network has been given the green light with development approval secured for two new ferry terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross, paving the way for improved connectivity across the Swan River.
The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) has today granted development approval for the two ferry terminals, as part of the first phase of the Cook Government's transformative METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project.
The two development applications were lodged with the WAPC in September and were open for a three-week public comment period.
The development applications were also considered by the Environmental Protection Authority which determined the proposals did not require formal assessment.
The terminals will be the first delivered as part of the largest ever expansion to Perth's ferry network, which will see several new stops added and new electric ferries join the fleet over the lifespan of the project.
The Matilda Bay terminal, located centrally along Hackett Drive, will provide improved connectivity to The University of Western Australia Crawley campus, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, and the surrounding riverfront area.
The location was selected following thorough consultation with a wide range of user groups and a comprehensive multi-criteria analysis of five sites.
This process considered a range of criteria, including environmental impacts, transport connectivity, the needs of both water and land users, and waterway safety and determined the Matilda Bay site delivered the best overall outcome.
The Applecross terminal will be located immediately north of the Raffles Hotel complex and will support the large and growing population living in high density housing throughout the Applecross and Mount Pleasant areas, boosting the area as a retail and entertainment destination.
Each new terminal will include a fixed jetty connecting to the shore, a sheltered waiting area, covered hinged jetty, and floating pontoon where passengers will board the ferries.
The new ferries will be fully accessible and incorporate passenger toilet facilities and bike storage, as well as external seating for passengers.
A Waterways Stakeholder Reference Group has been established, made up of key water user groups to provide ongoing advice to the State Government to ensure appropriate controls are developed so the waterways can continue to be shared safely by all users.
Twenty water-based organisations representing river users are part of the group, which has already held three meetings.
Early tender advice has been issued on the design and construction of the two ferry terminals with a formal tender to be released in early 2026.
Construction is expected to start later in the year.