Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour projects

In July 2020, the State Government announced funding for the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour (FFBH) electrical upgrade as part of the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan. 

Electrical infrastructure at the harbour had not been upgraded since around 1985, leading up to the America’s Cup defence, and needs replacement to support the many and varied activities at the harbour. 

The planned upgrade of electrical infrastructure will provide significant benefits, including:

• a more reliable and robust electrical supply for tenants,
• enhanced operational safety for maintenance crews,
• additional capacity to future proof the harbour’s electricity supply; and
• enable on-site renewable energy generation. 

The Department of Transport (DoT) manages FFBH and is responsible for providing and maintaining the electrical infrastructure. The electrical upgrade will create a safer network with improved capacity powering operations at the harbour for decades to come.

Project funding totals $7.8 million. 

Project status

DoT has completed significant planning activities for the project, including consultation with key stakeholders, engineering surveys and detailed design work.

WA based contractor Ertech was awarded a design and construct contract in October 2024 to deliver the major electrical upgrade.

Construction activities are expected to be completed in late 2025. To minimise disruption DoT is delivering the works outside of the peak periods in the busiest parts of the harbour. 

The project involves:

• Trenching and installation of underground electrical services along Mews Road from Sardine Wharf to Be Apartments
• Installation and commissioning of electrical equipment including a new substation at Sardine Wharf, external Ring Main Units, and transformer
• Installation of kerbs and islands in Sardine Wharf car park
• Pavement reconstruction along Mews Road following installation of underground electrical services, including asphalt surfacing.

What to expect:

• Work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm on weekdays except public holidays
• Occasional out of hours work will be undertaken, for example where power outages are required. Advance notice will be given of these works.
• There will be no road closures, but some disruptions, such as noise and temporary traffic adjustments including lane closures, will occur.  A certified traffic control company has been engaged to oversee traffic management for this project.
• The laydown area for the work will be located at the Sardine Wharf car park resulting in a reduction of available parking spaces.

For more information, please contact DoT as follows:

• Email: ffbhelectricalupgrade@transport.wa.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 963 733

Work zone map

In 2021, DoT committed to the first stage replacement of Jetty 3 at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour (FFBH) as, as part of its ongoing Maritime Facilities Program.

The jetty has reached the end of its serviceable life and will be replaced with a modern floating pen system to accommodate 45 new modern berths.

Project status

The tender process for the design and construct contract is complete and a $14 million contract to undertake jetty renewal projects at both Hillarys Boat Harbour and FFBH has been awarded to GTS Australia. 

Most of the work at FFBH will be completed by mid to late 2023 to limit disruption to current penholders and harbour operations.