❓ Hon Steve Martin questions the Transport Minister about the $7.2 billion cost estimate for the Kwinana container port, seeking clarification on included projects, road/rail upgrades, BCR calculations, private investment, and Westport Authority costs. The Minister's response confirms the $7.2 billion figure and states the BCR includes marine, port, road, and rail infrastructure costs.

I refer to the Westport business case summary, page 32, which says "the government investment required in the new Kwinana container port is estimated to be $7.2 billion in today's dollars." and contains several other statements about costs on the page, and I ask:(a) noting that the Business Case (BCR) identified "several major enabling projects that will serve not only Westport, but the winder community":(i) what projects were identified; and(ii) can the Minister confirm that these projects were not counted towards the $7.2 billion estimate;(b) noting that "Significant upgrades to the surrounding road and rail network will also be required":(i) which of these are currently under way;(ii) which of these are required but not currently under way; and(iii) can the Minister confirm that these projects were not counted towards the $7.2 billion estimate;(c) in relation to BCR of "over 4.0":(i) was the $7.2 billion cost figure used when calculating the BCR ration mentioned later on the page;(ii) if no to (i), was a higher cost figure used; and(iii) does the BCR include the "several major enabling projects" and the "significant upgrades to the surrounding road and rail network", or does it primarily concern the direct cost-to-government associated with the container port directly (the $7.2 billion estimate);(d) does the $7.2 billion cost-to-government figure assume any private investment involvement (meaning, should that private investment not incur, the cost to government could increase);(e) if yes to (d), what private investment is assumed both in terms of dollar value and for what purpose; and(f) does the $7.2 billion estimate include costs associated with establishing and operating the Westport Authority, or is this better understood as strictly the capital cost of building the port facility itself?

(a)-(f) The Westport Business Case Summary outlines the cost of the new Westport         container terminal as $7.2 billion in 2024 dollars. To accommodate future trade growth and support the WA economy, the State needs         an efficient and reliable supply chain. The Westport Business Case Summary   identified the need for an integrated freight network including road and rail upgrades      which will the support the new container terminal, growth of the broader Western          Trade Coast industrial base and wider transport network demands (e.g. the Kwinana             Freeway Upgrade project required now primarily for commuter congestion). The Westport BCR was calculated on the combined estimates of all marine, port, road      and rail infrastructure.