can use the 2.7km wide channel and maximum vessel size. New routes will provide additional capacity and access for larger ships as they are deployed. This positions WA to play a transhipment and sustainment role complementary to South East Asian hubs as new trade routes through the Indonesian Archipelago emerge. The development of Westport is timely in this regard, as well as for the future growth of inland trade across WA and Australia, through providing: • A new, next generation, cape class port that will become a Western gateway to Australia by facilitating West-East freight growth, transhipment facilities and sustainment services. These strategic factors are driving the development of a complementary strategy to improve supply chains and diversify export/ import options available to industry. This includes: • Significant expansion of WA’s inland rail network; and • Increasing bulk, general cargo and container capacity at WA’s regional ports. The increase in freight expected due to West-East freight movements, raw and processed mineral movements and the flow-on supply chain benefits driven by productivity and access are expected to act as multipliers and generate returns for the State. While Westport will remain the primary container port, expanded standard gauge rail networks and strategic regional ports will play a growing role in ensuring all of WA continues to compete and take advantage of this emerging economic super cycle. Lower margin industries will all benefit from reduced costs which will flow to drive down the cost of living and doing business in the regions. A unique aspect of WA is the growing desire of Aboriginal people to participate in the economy. Native title settlements are creating large pools of capital looking for investment avenues to assure future generations benefit, and a key focus of investment trusts is economic empowerment and development of the people and communities they represent. Innovative enterprises that leverage local competitive advantage (local Aboriginal branding, culture, traditional knowledge and the wish to live on remote country) can deliver services and products that benefit regions, government and industries looking for local labour.
A unique aspect of WA is the growing desire of Aboriginal people to participate in the economy.
Nation Building Context Opportunities for investment returns,
diversification and growth exist within a longer- term set of strategic opportunities for investors seeking longer term value, stable returns and operating contracts. Opportunities revolve around productivity and cost of living improvements, particularly in the State’s northern regions. The challenge is to bring freight, water and energy cost downs through supply security. These activities require a nation building approach driven by the State and Commonwealth in partnership with the private sector. Industry is in a position to contribute by informing a long-term planning and delivery strategy, project proposals and capital raising. Australia’s superannuation funds are well positioned to contribute the bulk of private investment capital to safe projects with steady returns. Aboriginal Corporations with large investment funds have similar drivers, with an additional focus on realising local returns for communities where projects pass through their land. An investment case identified through discussions with industry is the need to address freight and electricity reliability and costs north of Geraldton. There is an opportunity to resolve growth barriers over the long term. The proposal is to develop a strategy for staged development of parallel electrified freight rail line and electricity transmission line north from Geraldton to the Pilbara. As each stage achieves feasibility, the
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