Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour projects

HV electrical upgrade

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 and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) 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 $13.835 million. 

Project status

DTMI 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. Significant civil works have been completed and will be followed by the installation of the new high voltage electrical equipment and cabling. 

It was expected the electrical upgrade project would be finished prior to summer. However, a number of unforeseen issues on site and a very wet winter have delayed completion of the project. As a result, DTMI has decided to suspend work on the project from 20 December 2025 until early February 2026 to allow traders the full benefit of peak season and limit disruption to visitors.

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 transformers.
• 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 DTMI as follows:

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

Work zone map