A landmark expansion of Perth’s ferry network has secured development approval, with two new terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross set to transform connectivity across the Swan River — although not without significant community opposition.
The Western Australian Planning Commission has granted development approval for both ferry terminals as part of the first phase of the Cook Government’s METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project. The approvals mark a significant milestone for what will be the largest expansion to Perth’s ferry network in its history.
The development applications, lodged in September and open for a three-week public comment period, were also assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority, which determined the proposals didn’t require formal assessment.
The Matilda Bay terminal
Located centrally along Hackett Drive, the Matilda Bay terminal will provide improved connectivity to The University of Western Australia Crawley campus, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, and the surrounding riverfront area. The location was selected following consultation with a wide range of user groups and a comprehensive multi-criteria analysis of five potential sites.
The selection process considered environmental impacts, transport connectivity, the needs of both water and land users, and waterway safety. The central Matilda Bay site — approximately 300 metres south of the government’s initially preferred location — was determined to deliver the best overall outcome.
Community opposition
However, the Matilda Bay location has sparked considerable opposition from water user groups, recreational clubs, and local politicians. The Liberal Party’s Member for Nedlands, Jonathan Huston, launched a petition on Change.org in September to “Save Matilda Bay”, which has attracted over 5,000 signatures.
Safety concerns have been the primary focus of opposition groups, particularly the advocacy group Safety on Swan, which comprises local sailing, rowing, and swimming clubs. These groups argue that the terminal’s location poses risks due to high recreational use by vulnerable users, including children and people with disabilities.
Sailability WA, which runs supported sailing and learn-to-sail training programmes in Matilda Bay, has been actively advocating for the terminal’s relocation to Jo Jo’s jetty, approximately one kilometre south near Pelican Point. The organisation maintains that whilst it supports using the Swan River for public transport to the UWA campus, the proposed Matilda Bay location presents significant safety concerns for its programmes.
In a grievance motion to the Western Australian Parliament in September, Mr Huston outlined several objections to the site, including environmental grounds. He noted that Matilda Bay is home to significant marine and birdlife, particularly near Pelican Point, which attracts migratory birds. Swan and dolphin colonies also inhabit the area.
The motion also highlighted community concerns, noting that approximately 400,000 people visit Matilda Bay annually for picnics and community activities. Critics argue that the battery terminal servicing the ferry will be installed on the grassed area, impacting recreational space.
Opponents have repeatedly suggested Jo Jo’s jetty as a more suitable alternative, arguing it already has a seawall and existing jetty infrastructure, is connected to the free purple CAT bus service, and poses lower safety risks.
The government’s response
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has defended the location choice, stating that the multi-criteria analysis and independent risk assessment clearly showed Matilda Bay to be the best location. In response to protests, she noted that the alternative sites, including Pelican Point and Jo Jo’s, pose significant environmental risks.
“With development approval for these two new ferry terminals secured, we can forge ahead with the first phase of METRONET on Swan, which will deliver better transport options and further activate the Swan River,” Ms Saffioti said.
“These terminals will make it easier for locals and visitors to move around the city, connect with other public transport services, and enjoy Perth’s beautiful riverfront.”
The Applecross terminal
The Applecross terminal will be located immediately north of the Raffles Hotel complex and will serve the growing population living in high-density housing throughout the Applecross and Mount Pleasant areas, boosting the area as a retail and entertainment destination.
Concerns about the Applecross location have focused primarily on environmental damage, with critics worried about the impact on dolphins and swans that frequent the area.
What’s next
Each new terminal will include a fixed jetty connecting it to the shore, a sheltered waiting area, a covered, hinged jetty, and a floating pontoon for ferry boarding. The new ferries will be fully accessible and will include passenger toilets, bike storage, and external seating.
A Waterways Stakeholder Reference Group has been established, comprising 20 water-based organisations representing river users. The group has already held three meetings to provide ongoing advice to the State Government, ensuring appropriate controls are developed so waterways can continue to be shared safely by all users.
Early tender advice has been issued on the design and construction of the two ferry terminals, with a formal tender to be released in early 2026. Construction is expected to start later in the year.
The expansion will add several new stops to Perth’s ferry network and introduce new electric ferries into the fleet over the project’s lifespan, supporting tourism, local businesses, and sustainable travel whilst opening new opportunities for investment and development along the river.
