Port authorities

Western Australia's ports play a vital role in facilitating trade, so that the State can realise its economic potential.

WA port authorities are governed under the Port Authorities Act 1999 and operate as corporatised entities, each with a board of directors that reports to the Minister for Ports.

A key function of a port authority is to facilitate trade within and through the port and plan for future growth and development of the port. Other important functions include responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the port, and to protect the environment of the port and minimise the impact of port operations on that environment.

The port authority, in performing its functions, must act in accordance with prudent commercial principles and endeavour to make a profit.

The Ports Legislation Amendment Act 2014 resulted in the amalgamation of the Port Hedland Port Authority and the Dampier Port Authority into the Pilbara Ports Authority, and the creation of the Southern Ports Authority through amalgamation of the previous Esperance Port Authority, Albany Port Authority and Bunbury Port Authority.  It also enabled all existing port authorities, which hitherto had been contained to one geographic site, to have the power to manage multiple ports.

As of 1 July 2021, WA’s five port authorities have responsibility for the following ports:

• Fremantle Port Authority (responsible for the Port of Fremantle, including the Outer Harbour in Kwinana).
• Kimberley Ports Authority (responsible for the ports of Broome, Derby, Wyndham, and Yampi Sound).
• Mid West Ports Authority (responsible for the Port of Geraldton).
• Pilbara Ports Authority (responsible for the ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland and Varanus Island).
• Southern Ports Authority (responsible for the ports of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance).

More information on this can be found on the Ports Governance Review page.

An overview of the performance of WA's ports, and historical ports data, is available on the Ports Infographic page.

This handbook for new Directors to help them understand their obligations. Individual Port Authorities also provide Port specific induction material.

Port Authorities are Government Trading Enterprises established under the Port Authorities Act 1999. They operate as commercial enterprises to facilitate trade within their respective ports, and report directly to the Minister for Transport.

If you are interested in a board position on one of Western Australia's Port Authority Boards, please submit a:

• cover letter outlining your suitability and stating your preferred port authority (if any); and
• curriculum vitae, including contact details for two referees.

Alternatively, you may wish to complete the Port Authority Board registration form instead of preparing a cover letter, which will highlight pertinent information and assist future review of the register.

Please email your expression of interest to ports@transport.wa.gov.au. Your details will be kept on file should any suitable vacancies arise.

More information about port authority board positions and how to apply can be found in the Board Directors WA Ports Authorities 2021 document below.