The question seeks specific details regarding a concept to expand Leach Highway, including estimated capital cost, properties impacted, and points of reduced access for residents and the Melville commercial precinct, as outlined in Westport Beacon Issue 8, page 6. The answer avoids providing these specifics, instead stating that Leach Highway is not considered a long-term solution for freight access and highlighting the government's commitment to reducing freight on it.

AnsweredQoN 1635Legislative Council
Asked
6 May 2026
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Westport Beacon Issue 8, page 6, which outlines a concept to expand Leach Highway, which serves as the main freight route for heavy vehicles accessing the Inner Harbour, and I ask:(a) noting the concept was identified as having a "high capital cost", what was the estimated capital cost;(b) noting the concept was identified as having "impacts on some properties", which properties;(c) noting the concept was identified as causing "significant reductions in access to Leach Highway for residents", at which points; and(d) noting the concept was identified as causing "significant reductions in access to the Melville commercial precinct", at what points?
I refer to the Westport Beacon Issue 8, page 6, which outlines a concept to expand Leach Highway, which serves as the main freight route for heavy vehicles accessing the Inner Harbour, and I ask:
(a) noting the concept was identified as having a "high capital cost", what was the estimated capital cost;
(b) noting the concept was identified as having "impacts on some properties", which properties;
(c) noting the concept was identified as causing "significant reductions in access to Leach Highway for residents", at which points; and
(d) noting the concept was identified as causing "significant reductions in access to the Melville commercial precinct", at what points?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
9 June 2026
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport
Response time
5 days
(a-d)    The Westport Taskforce was established in 2017 to develop a plan to manage the growing freight demands of Perth and surrounding regions for the next 50    years and         beyond. The ‘Beacon’, issued by the Westport Taskforce, was intended as a    communication tool to inform and engage stakeholders as part of its investigations.
The Taskforce considered and determined that Leach Highway is not a suitable long-        term solution for a modern freight access corridor between WA’s only container            gateway and freight and logistics hubs in Perth.
The WA Government is committed to reducing freight on Leach Highway, and     delivering safer outcomes for the community, through investment in the Leach        Highway Intersection Improvements Project.

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