The Western Australian Government is investing $11.6 million in Geraldton Port critical infrastructure upgrades as part of the state’s Recovery Plan, with the works expected to create more than 90 local jobs.
The announcement comes after the Western Australian Government endorsed the Port of Geraldton Master Plan, charting growth at the port over the next 15 years up to 50 million tonnes per annum throughput.
Western Australian Ports Minister, Alannah MacTiernan, said, “The McGowan Government is pushing forward its investment in Geraldton Port, building economic capability in the city and securing the long-term future of export industries in the Mid‑West.
“Our substantial investment means mineral sands and concentrates exports from the Mid‑West can grow, providing industry with the confidence to expand or develop new projects in the region.
“These projects also provide a real job boost in Geraldton over the next 12 months as WA continues its COVID-19 economic recovery, creating around 90 jobs – with the vast majority of the work expected to go to local subcontractors, in line with our commitment to local content in regional WA.
“The Port Master Plan is an important guide for the Mid-West region and the Western Australian economy, providing strategic guidance for investment decisions that will provide significant economic value and local jobs in the region.
“Our investment and the Master Plan will help to set the Mid-West up for the next 15 years and continue to stimulate economic activity in the region.”
The $10 million Wharf 4 Strengthening and Rail Replacement project will upgrade a key piece of Geraldton Port infrastructure, paving the way for long-term growth in mineral sands export from Geraldton.
Wharf 4 is the primary export wharf for mineral sands, talc and concentrates from Geraldton Port, shipping 1.2 million tonnes of mineral sands and concentrates in 2018-19.
The original Wharf 4 structure was constructed in 1965 and plays a role, not only in mineral sands exports, but in mooring grain export vessels to neighbouring Wharf 3.
The $10 million improvements to Wharf 4 and associated rail will extend the design service life of the structure by another 25 years and will allow for the continuation and growth of mineral sands and concentrates shipping through Geraldton.
The Western Australian Government is also investing $1.58 million into upgrades at the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour, including new walkways, toilets, fuel bowsers and street lighting.
The two projects will create more than 90 jobs with significant opportunities for local businesses, with the bulk of the works expected to be complete in the next 12 months.
Endorsement of the Geraldton Port Master Plan follows extensive analysis and community and port user consultation, charting the infrastructure required to maximise the throughput and efficiency of the existing port.
Its implementation would support throughput of up to 50 million tonnes annually – up from 15.9 million tonnes in 2018-19 – and lead to a substantial boost to the Mid-West economy and local jobs.
For more information, or to view the Port of Geraldton Master Plan, click here.
