Planning for container handling facilities in the Kwinana/Cockburn area
An intermodal freight terminal is a site used to transfer freight (mainly containers) from one mode of transport to another, ie rail to road, together with all the necessary support services and activities. Currently in Perth there are a number of intermodal terminals in operation, mainly in the Kewdale/Forrestfield area.
A number of previous studies and policy documents have identified the need for additional intermodal terminal facilities in the Perth region. An additional intermodal terminal would ultimately reduce pressure on the Kewdale/Forrestfield complex, help to reduce the proportion of freight carried by road in the metropolitan area and support the proposed new ports in Kwinana.
The department commissioned two studies as part of an overall requirement to plan, and reserve land, for a new intermodal freight handling facility in the Kwinana/Cockburn area.
Stage 1 of this project commenced in May 2006 when ARRB Group, Meyrick and Associates and GHD were commissioned to investigate the potential development of an intermodal freight terminal in Kwinana. (Stage 1 report - ARRB 
3 Mb)
This work provides an investigation of the case for the development of an intermodal terminal, including an analysis of the level of potential demand for the terminal in the context of freight growth and existing terminals in the Perth region and the potential role and functionality of a new terminal.
In June 2007 GHD / Meyrick and Associates were engaged to undertake stage 2 of the study. This report describes the site selection process and relevant investigations undertaken. It provides a conceptual design for a preferred terminal option, makes recommendations relating to the future design and construction of the terminal, and the protection of the required land.
The design philosophy adopted is that the terminal forms part of a freight village comprising the core terminal infrastructure, terminal support areas, and an industry park/cluster development.
It is intended that the preferred terminal site will be included as part of LandCorp's structure plan for Latitude 32, which is a 1400ha site that has been nominated for future industry development.
This report was released for public comment by the Minister for Planning in November 2008.
Department of Planning is reviewing the submissions that were received during the public comment period. The Planning for Container Handling Facilities in the Cockburn/Kwinana Area ( 1 Mb) brochure provides an update on developments and answers a number of questions that have been raised.
August 2009 - Update on Planning for an Intermodal Terminal in the Kwinana/Cockburn Area - Outcomes from Workshop and Future Actions ( 1 Mb)
Further information on intermodal terminals and their operation can be found via these links.