UWA Ferry Terminal Set as Expansion Begins
The State Government has today confirmed the location for a new ferry terminal servicing The University of Western Australia (UWA) and Matilda Bay as part of its METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion.
The new ferry terminal will be located in central Matilda Bay.
The UWA masterplan originally had the proposed ferry terminal located in the northern Matilda Bay area, but in response to feedback from user groups, including the rowing club, additional locations were assessed.
The site was one of five considered in the area, with the preferred location identified through a multi-criteria analysis which assessed waterway and marine safety, heritage and environment, water and land use, and connectivity.
A wide range of key stakeholder groups were consulted as part of the process including rowers, sailors and other river users, as well as several State Government agencies.
As part of a thorough approach to safety, an independent risk assessment was conducted in accordance with the AS/NZ Risk Management Standard using a wide range of information including maritime vessel data, bathymetric surveys, feedback from user groups and aquatic events calendars.
This terminal builds on to the previously announced additional terminal to be built at Applecross outside the Raffles Hotel to provide more convenient access to users and the community across Perth.
Stakeholder engagement has been ongoing since October last year and will continue to be an important part of the delivery of this project.
The State Government will establish a reference group, with key water user groups within the Matilda Bay and Applecross areas to be invited to participate. The group will provide ongoing advice to ensure appropriate controls and measures are in place so the waterway can be shared safely by all users.
A development application for the two new terminals will be submitted shortly and the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage will seek public comment for a period of up to 21 days as part of the review.
The METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion will support the activation of popular riverside precincts and increased accessibly across the river, creating a scenic experience for tourists to explore the city and local attractions.
Five new electric ferries will operate services between Elizabeth Quay, Matilda Bay and Applecross.
Construction of the Matilda Bay terminal will include an upgrade to landscaping and existing public toilets, a new roundabout and pedestrian crossing, and bus bays on Hackett Drive.
Current bus services will be reviewed to ensure connectivity.
Further information on the expanded ferry service and planned ferry stops can be found here: https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/projects/current-projects/metronet-on-swan-ferry-service-expansion
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Expanding ferry services on the Swan River has long been talked about and today’s announcement means we’ve now confirmed the final locations for the first two stops as part of a broader service.
“The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) maritime team, in collaboration with the Public Transport Authority, thoroughly assessed a range of locations for a new ferry terminal servicing UWA, and the central location in Matilda Bay provided the best outcomes.
“The multicriteria analysis, and expert insight from independent marine safety consultants, provided strong advice to government that a ferry stop in this location can safely operate alongside existing users.
“Around the world and around Australia we have seen public transport ferries operating safely alongside recreational users and other watercraft, and there’s no reason we can’t achieve the same outcomes here.
“DTMI will be establishing a reference group, to provide ongoing advice and guidance to the government on the rollout of the expanded ferry service.
“This is an exciting milestone, and I am confident we will be able to work co-operatively with key user groups to safely share the waterway just as we do in South Perth and in other parts of the country and the world.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/UWA-ferry-terminal-location-confirmed-as-ferry-expansion-gears-up-20250726