New Ferry Terminal at Matilda Bay Signals a New Era for Swan River Transport
A long-awaited project to expand ferry services on the Swan River has taken a significant step forward. The State Government today confirmed that the new ferry terminal serving The University of Western Australia (UWA) and Matilda Bay will be located in the heart of central Matilda Bay. This decision forms a key part of the broader METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion, which will see a more integrated public transport network across Perth’s waterways.
Revising Plans in Response to Community Feedback
Initial plans under the UWA masterplan had pinpointed the northern reaches of Matilda Bay as the optimal location for a ferry terminal. However, extensive consultation with user groups—including representatives from the rowing club, local sailors, and other aquatic enthusiasts—has led planners to revise earlier proposals. After reviewing five potential sites, a multi-criteria analysis was undertaken. This assessment considered paramount factors such as waterway and marine safety, heritage and environmental concerns, and connectivity to land-based transport networks.
Transportation Minister Rita Saffioti explained that the chosen central location best meets the diverse needs of both recreational users and daily commuters. “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,” she said. The careful selection process has drawn on international and domestic examples, notably from South Perth and other regions where public transport ferries coexist with a variety of water users.
A Rigorous Approach to Safety and Environmental Stewardship
A standout feature of this initiative is the extensive safety and risk evaluation underpinning the project. An independent risk assessment was conducted in line with AS/NZ Risk Management Standards. This evaluation employed a wide array of data, including maritime vessel information and bathymetric surveys, as well as feedback from user groups and aquatic events calendars. Such diligence is aimed at ensuring that the new ferry stop will coexist harmoniously with the busy array of activities on the Swan River.
In tandem with the safety assessments, plans have been set in motion to upgrade the surrounding infrastructure. The forthcoming construction at Matilda Bay will not only establish a modern ferry terminal but also enhance local amenities with new landscaping, upgraded public toilets, a roundabout, pedestrian crossings, and dedicated bus bays along Hackett Drive. Bus services are already under review to secure seamless connectivity for both local residents and visitors.
An Ambitious Vision Under the METRONET Initiative
The launch of the new ferry terminal forms part of the larger METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion, a project that aligns with the broader transport reforms sweeping across Western Australia. Introduced as part of the state’s long-term transport strategy, METRONET aims to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and stimulate economic growth by linking key urban and riverside precincts.
Five new electric ferries will be deployed to operate services between Elizabeth Quay, Matilda Bay, and Applecross—a location outside the historic Raffles Hotel. The inclusion of electric ferries is seen as a forward-thinking move that underscores the government’s commitment to environmentally sustainable transport. Electric vessels not only reduce harmful emissions but also contribute to the quieter, more scenic ambiance that defines Perth’s river experience.
The Economic and Social Benefits
Local businesses are poised to gain as increased access and connectivity energise the riverside precincts. The ferry expansion is expected to stimulate tourism, enhance student access to UWA, and create new opportunities for local eateries and retail outlets that benefit from increased visitor numbers. Many Perth residents celebrate such public transport projects not only for their practical benefits but also for their role in revitalising urban environments.
Moreover, the project is part of an ongoing effort to activate underused spaces along the river. By turning Matilda Bay into a transport hub, the government hopes to weave together the city’s economic, cultural, and recreational threads—an approach that finds resonance with similar waterfront transformations seen in international cities such as Singapore and Vancouver.
Engaging the Community Through Stakeholder Collaboration
One of the project’s key strengths lies in its commitment to ongoing stakeholder engagement. Since October last year, a wide variety of waterway users—from rowers to recreational sailors—have been actively involved in shaping the project. The State Government will also establish a reference group that includes key water user groups from both the Matilda Bay and Applecross areas. This group is charged with offering continuous advice and ensuring that appropriate safety controls are in place, allowing public and recreational activities to flourish alongside the new ferry services.
Planning for the Future
Before construction commences in earnest, a development application for both the Matilda Bay and Applecross terminals will be submitted to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. A public comment period of up to 21 days will follow, offering Perth’s residents the opportunity to engage with the planning process. This transparent approach reinforces the project’s commitment to inclusive and accountable urban development, ensuring that community voices are heard at every stage.
Looking Ahead
The integration of a new ferry terminal in central Matilda Bay and the additional stop at Applecross signal more than just a transport upgrade; they represent a reimagining of Perth’s connection to its waterways. As electric ferries will soon ply between Elizabeth Quay, Matilda Bay, and Applecross, the project promises to deliver not just on logistics but on the broader goal of fostering vibrant riverside precincts. Drawing from successful models both at home and abroad, the initiative underscores Western Australia’s readiness to embrace innovative, sustainable solutions to urban connectivity challenges.
For further details on the METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion, visit the Public Transport Authority’s project page at:
https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/projects/current-projects/metronet-on-swan-ferry-service-expansion
Through progressive planning, attentive stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to environmental safety, Perth is set to once again redefine its urban landscape—uniting heritage, innovation, and community spirit along the iconic Swan River.
