The Nelson Point Tug Haven upgrade project has reached a significant milestone, with a $29 million contract awarded for the design and construction of a revetment wall in Nelson Point Tug Haven and Port Hedland.
The contract has been awarded to Austral Construction, and will help to protect the tug haven embankments from destructive cyclones and powerful storm surges, with it designed to withstand a one in 500-year weather event.
As part of the contract award, local Pilbara-based businesses will provide works valued at nearly $4 million.
Works that will be subcontracted out include design, fabrication, survey, electrical, plumbing and geotechnical services, with at least five per cent of subcontracts to be awarded to Aboriginal-owned suppliers.
The revetment wall works form part of the $51.2 million Nelson Point Tug Haven upgrade project, which also includes the replacement of the existing sheet pile wall.
Western Australian Ports Minister, Rita Saffioti, said, “It’s fantastic to see investment in the Nelson Point Tug Haven to increase its resilience to withstand powerful storms and cyclones and make it a reliable asset for decades to come.
“The Port of Port Hedland is the powerhouse of the Pilbara, with over $116 billion of commodities passing through the port last financial year – it’s essential we invest in port infrastructure to support this enormous volume of trade.
“The $29 million contract offers opportunities for local businesses to get involved in the project, creating more economic opportunities and jobs in the Pilbara.”
Port operations will not be impacted, with works expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
The Nelson Point Tug Haven was constructed in 1985 to provide shelter and access for tugs that service the Port of Port Hedland.
Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel, said, “As part of the WA Recovery Plan we have allocated more than $50 million to the Nelson Point Tug Haven upgrade project.
“This $29 million contract will provide many opportunities for local businesses to get involved and support local jobs.”
The project forms part of the State Government’s $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.
