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.

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

Governance provisions applicable to port authorities are prescribed within the Government Trading Enterprises Act 2023. Port authority boards generally have between five to seven members. As the governing body, the board provides leadership, direction and overall strategy for the port authority and oversees the performance and activities of management. 

The Minister for Ports appoints board members for a specified term of up to three years. The Department of Transport (DoT) assists the Minister with the appointment process. 

Find out more about the responsibilities of port authority board directors in the handbook below.