Early construction works on Western Australia's $7.2 billion Westport project in Kwinana have been delayed from 2028 to sometime before 2030, with the State Government acknowledging that competing infrastructure projects are placing pressure on the construction industry.

The proposed container port is intended to eventually replace Fremantle as Perth's main container port, with Fremantle expected to reach capacity around 2038. Westport will include a 200-hectare container terminal area and a 2.5-kilometre seawall, requiring thousands of construction workers.

Planning Minister John Carey confirmed that the Henderson Defence Precinct, which will support Australia's AUKUS submarine program, was taking priority. Both projects will require substantial numbers of workers and construction materials, raising concerns about whether they can proceed at the same time.

The State Government maintains that Westport remains on track for delivery around 2040 and is investigating alternative materials and construction methods to help address supply shortages. However, a revised timetable for the early works has not been announced.

The State Opposition has criticised the delays, questioning whether the Government adequately considered the demands of both projects before announcing their construction schedules. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas and shadow transport minister Steve Martin have also called for greater clarity about the timing and cost of Westport.

The Government has acknowledged that managing the two projects will be challenging, particularly with more than 6,000 workers required for the initial Henderson works and submarine maintenance operations expected to increase during the early 2030s.

Despite the delays, the Government maintains its commitment to the new port, although questions remain about when construction will begin and whether the original $7.2 billion cost estimate can be maintained.