Port authorities oversee the management and operation of the State’s major ports.
Western Australian port authorities are governed under the Port Authorities Act 1999 and the Government Trading Enterprises Act 2023 and operate as government trading entities, each with a board of directors that reports to the Minister for Ports.
WA port authorities
Western Australia has 5 port authorities:
Fremantle Port Authority manages the Port of Fremantle, including the Outer Harbour in Kwinana.
Kimberley Ports Authority manages the ports of Broome, Derby, Wyndham, and Yampi Sound.
Mid West Ports Authority manages the port of Geraldton.
Pilbara Ports Authority manages the ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland and Varanus Island.
Southern Ports Authority manages the ports of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance.
The port authorities are responsible for:
- Facilitating port trade and planning for future growth and development
- Economic development activity that encourages and facilitates trade using port facilities
- Operational control of business and other activities in the port
- Safe and efficient port operation
- Port maintenance and security
- Protection of the port environment and minimising the environmental impact of port operations.
Western Australian ports map
Download the WA ports map for locations and jurisdictions of WA ports and port authorities.
Port authority boards
Port authorities are Government Trading Enterprises which operate as commercial enterprises, each with their own board of between 5 and 7 people.
Port authorities facilitate trade within their respective ports, and report directly to the Minister for Ports.
As the governing body, the board provides leadership, direction and overall strategy for the port authority and oversees management performance and activities.
The Minister for Ports appoints board members for a specified term of up to 3 years. DoT facilitates the appointment process and makes recommendations to the Minister.
Register your interest to join a board on the OnBoardWA website.
Download the Port Authority Boards: Director's handbook to find out more.