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The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has received a development application from the Public Transport Authority (PTA) for a new ferry service on the Swan and Canning rivers between Applecross and Elizabeth Quay, with a stop at Matilda Bay. The application is being processed pursuant to Part 5 of the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006. The application forms part of the METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project, which is valued at $107 million. 

Please note that this application relates to the ferry operations only.
The installation of proposed ferry terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross, which form part of the METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion project, are not included in this application. These developments have been assessed through a separate planning process under the Planning and Development Act 2005. The Western Australian Planning Commission conditionally approved the proposed ferry terminals (and associated structures) at Matilda Bay and Applecross on 11 December 2025. 

For more information regarding the proposed ferry terminals, please refer to the METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion page on PTA's website. A copy of the application is available to download below.

Have your say!

Community input is an important part of this process, and you’re invited to share your views on the new proposal before 29 September 2026 by:

• Completing the Public Submission Form – Fill out form (preferred) or
• Emailing your comments and/or uploading supporting documentation to ferries.submissions@dbca.wa.gov.au or
• Sending a written submission to Attn: Statutory Assessments Unit, Swan Canning Waterways Branch, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 17 Dick Perry Ave, Kensington 6154.

Next steps:

• The application has been referred to relevant agencies for comments and advice. These agencies have 42 days to provide a response.
• When all responses have been considered, a draft report detailing the assessment of the project will be presented to the Swan River Trust for consideration.
• The draft report will be updated to include the Trust’s recommendation and will be uploaded to this page inviting members of the public to comment on the report within 14 days.
• All submissions will be considered by the Director General in the preparation and endorsement of the final report.
• The endorsed final report and recommendation, and all submissions received, will be sent to the Minister for the Environment for determination.
• The Minister’s determination will be uploaded to this page and the Development Application process is complete. The applicant will be responsible for meeting the requirements of the conditions of approval.