Tenders are being sought for construction of new ferry terminals at Applecross and Matilda Bay, marking a major milestone in the WA Government’s expansion of Perth’s ferry network.
The $107 million METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project is set to transform connectivity on the Swan River, improving public transport options for locals and visitors.
A further $10 million has been invested by the Australian Government to plan and design a future extension of the network to potential new stops in key riverside locations such as Maylands, Point Fraser, Burswood, Optus Stadium, Claisebrook, Belmont and Rivervale.
The WA Government is seeking a single contractor with demonstrated expertise in the design and construction of marine infrastructure to deliver both terminals, ensuring design consistency across the two sites and enhancing construction efficiencies.
“This is another exciting step forward for METRONET on Swan, the biggest ever expansion of Perth’s ferry network which will transform public transport connectivity across our city,” said WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti.
“This project is already supporting local manufacturing with five new ferries being built in Henderson, with construction of the new terminals set to support even more quality jobs.”
Both terminals will feature a fixed jetty, sheltered passenger waiting area, gangway and ferry berths. At Matilda Bay, provision will also be made for electric ferry charging infrastructure.
The Matilda Bay terminal, located centrally along Hackett Drive, will provide improved connections to The University of Western Australia Crawley campus, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and the surrounding riverfront area.
The new ferry terminal at Applecross, located on the north side of the existing Raffles Complex, will better connect this growing urban precinct and is within walking distance of the Canning Bridge Station.
The WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure will oversee the design and construction of the two terminals.
Concurrently, the Public Transport Authority is progressing the construction of a new additional passenger boarding area at the existing Elizabeth Quay ferry terminal, as well as upgrades to the Barrack Square Jetty to allow for the overnight berthing of four ferries.
Works will also include the construction of new toilet and charging facilities at Matilda Bay, including a new bus/ferry interchange embayment on Hackett Drive.
It comes after a contract was awarded in December to Echo Marine Group to design and construct the five new electric ferries required to operate the expanded service, which is expected to start in late 2027.
The call for tenders will open on Tuesday, with more information available at TendersWA.
