Work is now underway on a major project that will expand the export and import capacity at the Port of Port Hedland in Western Australia.
The Federal Government is investing $565 million for common user port upgrades in the Pilbara, with part of this to go towards the expansion of Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland, with the Western Australian Government contributing $96.5 million.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Federal Government’s funding will help unlock trade and investment opportunities, local jobs and help drive Australia’s net zero future.
“Demand is growing locally and overseas for clean energy sources and our government’s investment in the Lumsden Point expansion will help position Northern Australia to take advantage of the economic opportunities this demand presents,” he said.
The project will deliver new multi-user facilities and berths that will help diversify trade in the Pilbara and support the growth of renewable industries in Australia and overseas.
This includes increasing the capacity to export battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, as well as import renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades. It will also support the rapid growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said the Pilbara has been at the heart of the nation’s economic strength for decades, generating wealth for the entire country and supporting thousands of jobs across Western Australia.
“This port expansion will help to position Port Hedland at the forefront of the future green industries that will drive our state’s economy for decades to come.”
WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti highlighted the importance of both levels of government working together to expand the export and import capacity.
“We have a lot of natural advantages in Western Australia, but we must keep investing in the infrastructure that will drive our future growth, and ensure our state and country capitalises on the opportunities that come from the transition to renewables.”
Growing the capacity of Pilbara Ports has been identified by Infrastructure Australia as a national infrastructure priority.
Lumsden Point forms part of the Port of Port Hedland Development Plan Review, which was undertaken to maximise export capacity at the port.
The first stage of works on the project will construct two seawalls and a new causeway, which will connect the wharf to the proposed logistics hub.
MGN Civil was awarded the contract to complete the first of the seawalls, with a tender to soon be released for the delivery of the second.
For the first seawall contract, 90 per cent of materials and suppliers will be sourced within the region, and additional sub-contracting and labour opportunities will be on offer. This will include partnerships with First Nations businesses and economic opportunities for communities across the north-west.