METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion

The WA Government is investing $107 million to expand public transport options along the Swan River, helping to shape a more connected and vibrant Perth. Expanding ferry services is a natural step forward for our growing city.

This initiative will:

• activate high-density riverside precincts, making them more accessible and lively
• support economic growth through urban revitalisation
• enhance tourism by offering scenic and enjoyable travel options
• ease pressure on existing infrastructure with sustainable transport alternatives
• improve accessibility across the river for residents and visitors alike.

As part of this expansion, a new ferry route will connect the existing Elizabeth Quay terminal with two new terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross.

Additional routes and terminal locations are being explored, including at Canning Bridge, Point Fraser, Burswood Park, Optus Stadium and Claisebrook Cove.

Application for Permit to clear Native Vegetation

Public comment is invited by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) on the Application for Permit to clear Native Vegetation at the Matilda Bay and Applecross terminals. 

The application refers to seagrass and macroalgae. More information is available on the DWER website, with submissions closing on 19 November 2025.

Development Applications

Development Applications for the new ferry terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross have been submitted and the public comment period has now closed. 

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is assessing the submissions and the proposal and will make a recommendation to the WA Planning Commission (WAPC). The WAPC will then determine the Development Applications. A decision is not expected until late 2025/early 2026.

EPA Referral

The project has also been formally referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) under Section 38 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. 

The EPA referral public comment period closed on 13 October 2025. The EPA will decide whether or not this proposal requires environmental impact assessment and, if so, what level of assessment will be applied.

The EPA's decisions on level of assessment will be published on the EPA's website.

Geotechnical investigations of ground conditions are ongoing in the Swan River near the proposed Matilda Bay and Applecross terminals. 

All testing is proceeding with consent under Regulations 7 and 10 of the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations, 1974.

This is a stylised depiction of the proposed route. The final route will be determined with assistance from the Waterways Stakeholder Reference Group.

The east-west approach of the ferry to and departure from the terminal within Matilda Bay will be limited to a maximum speed of 8 knots.

For more information email projects@pta.wa.gov.au.