Western Australia is undertaking a large infrastructure program to transform its international airport into one of the best in the Asia-Pacific region and to further expand its extensive road, rail and logistics networks.
Sophisticated transport and logistics grids, with access to major airports and ports, are essential to the freight industry.
Rail is the backbone of the freight transport network, and Western Australia already has the highest number of privately owned rail systems in the world, that service mining operations in remote parts of the State.
All international, regional and domestic airlines, operating at Perth Airport, carry air freight, which is a significant component of Western Australia’s air service sector. The $1 billion redevelopment of Perth Airport and upgrade of the transport network are driven by the expected doubling of passenger air travel and freight, with Perth's population expected to increase to 3.27 million in 2026.
Trade through Western Australia’s ports is projected to increase by 140 per cent from 457 million tonnes per annum in 2012 to more than one billion tonnes per annum in 2030.
The ports of Dampier and Port Hedland are the world’s largest bulk export ports. They achieved a record annual throughput of 699.3 million tonnes in 2017-18.
The Freight and Logistics Council of Western Australia is an important forum for freight users and providers, who can access information about and have input into the State’s freight and logistics plans.