
The Western Australia government has unveiled plans for an $18.7 million revamp of jetty infrastructure at Barrack Square, one of Perth’s most iconic waterfront precincts.
This investment aims to support improvements to tourism and charter operations on the Swan River.
Barrack Square and its jetties are situated in one of Perth’s busiest waterfront tourism locations, adjacent to Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower.
Jetty One, in particular, has been in service for over 50 years, nearly double its original 30-year design life.
Recent years have seen the Department of Transport undertake remediation works due to degraded wood piling, leading to limited use of the jetty.
The project includes the replacement of Jetty One and a section of the substructure supporting the Old Perth Port Building.
The upgrade is expected to breathe new life into the Barrack Square precinct, supporting the expansion of tourism businesses and operators in the area.
Funding for the jetty upgrade will be sourced from the Perth Parking Management Account.
This initiative is part of several WA government projects aimed at activating the Swan River around Perth, including the Causeway pedestrian bridges project, the WACA redevelopment, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and the revamp of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti stated: “Barrack Square is an iconic location in our city, but some of the jetty infrastructure is in dire need of replacement. We’ve undertaken remediation works in recent years, but this investment will completely replace Jetty One — returning it to its original state and reopening its use for tourism operators.”
The planned upgrade to Jetty One aligns with the WA government’s plans for an expanded ferry service on the Swan River.
A $2 million feasibility investigation will be funded in the upcoming State Budget to analyse the potential expansion of ferry services, including assessments of new ferry terminal locations, potential designs, geotechnical and civil engineering analysis, and dredging assessments.
Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael added: “This is an exciting project that will see critical jetty infrastructure renewed and add vibrancy to a historic and culturally sensitive part of the Perth waterfront.
“Collaboration with stakeholders will be an important part of the delivery of this important renewal project which will have many benefits for on-water operations at Barrack Square.”