Port Hedland’s Lumsden Point will be one of the Pilbara-based ports slated for an upgrade as part of a $565 million funding boost to expand export and import capacity.
Port Hedland’s Lumsden Point will be one of the Pilbara-based ports slated for an upgrade as part of a $565 million funding boost to expand export and import capacity.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the federal government funding in Port Hedland this morning as he continues his Western Australian visit.
The $565 million package will be invested in supporting common-user port upgrades in the Pilbara, with a portion to be invested towards expanding Lumsden Point.
The state government has already contributed $96.5 million to the Lumsden Point expansion project, according to today's joint media release.
Mr Albanese said the funding would help unlock trade and investment opportunities, local jobs, and help drive towards Australia's net zero target.
“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 federal government announced in April that $280 million has been allocated for Lumsden Point in the 2022-23 budget.
A $78 million package was also allocated in the 2022-23 state budget, as announced in April.
Premier Mark McGowan said the port expansion would help position Port Hedland at the forefront of future green industries.
“The Pilbara has been at the heart of our nation’s economic strength for decades, generating wealth for the entire country and supporting thousands of jobs across Western Australia,” he said.
The first stage of works in the Lumsden Point project comprises construction of two seawalls and a new causeway to connect the wharf to a proposed logistics hub.
Queensland-based engineering contractor MGN Civil was awarded the contract to complete the first seawall.
The company was also behind earthworks for the state government’s $121 million Spoilbank Marina project in Port Hedland.
“The Pilbara is the engine room of both the WA and Australian economies, and it’s so important we have both levels of government working together to expand our export and import capacity,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
Mr Albanese today held his cabinet meeting in Port Hedland for the first time before meeting with Indigenous and community leaders.
"Any investment in our ports is positive for our region, but it needs to be supported by investment into social infrastructure," Town of Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter said.
"The state and nation need a thriving port to drive our economy, but the port also needs a thriving Hedland to succeed."
He said Port Hedland was an economic powerhouse for the country but had faced a number of challenges.
“It was important for us to raise issues around housing affordability and accessibility and how we can partner with the federal government to help find solutions,” Mr Carter said.
