While an anticipated boom in exports from the Albany port will go some way to securing the facility’s long-term viability, the State’s second smallest port also faces considerable challenges to meet the predicted demand.
While an anticipated boom in exports from the Albany port will go some way to securing the facility’s long-term viability, the State’s second smallest port also faces considerable challenges to meet the predicted demand.
A surge in woodchip exports, as well as strong outlook for local farm production, is expected to more than double the port’s tonnage of trade in the next few years.
And the upturn appears to have already started.
With grain making up the lion’s share of trade at Albany, a bumper grain season last financial year helped the port achieve a record year for tonnage.
The previous record of 2.6 million tonnes of trade was exceeded by about 200,000t.
However, with the maturation of the local woodchip industry over the next five to seven years, last year’s record figure is anticipated to double, peaking at about 7mt.
As a result, the port faces a number of planning and financial challenges.
This week the board at WA grain exporter Cooperative Bulk Handling is anticipated to approve a $75 million upgrade to its grain handling facilities at Albany.
The upgrade, which brings CBH’s Albany facility in line with its other port facilities in WA, will increase throughput as well as efficiency.
For the longer term the Albany Port Authority board is also considering the first draft of a Port Development Plan.
Port Authority CEO Brad Williamson said the plan would ensure the port’s future requirements are met, with an agreed planning framework including all relevant authorities.
He said the key issue was better rail and road access.
Planning is currently under way for a $2.5 million rail loop as well as a $20 million ring road around Albany city to improve port-road access and relieve city traffic congestion. A $1 million footbridge will also begin construction this year to separate pedestrians and heavy port traffic.
But while internally the port is gearing up, it is also this proximity to the city that poses a threat.
At present, exporters are concerned specifically about the State Government’s long-proposed $12.7 million waterfront development and the effect it will have on port access. The issue has raised concern in the community and there is even talk of relocating the port.
Currently exporters are seeking a guarantee of unlimited access to the port in light of the development proposal, which includes a boat harbour and short-term accommodation.
While the WA Government won’t guarantee this, Mr Williamson said it has assured him that the port will continue to run non-stop.
He also ruled out relocation, saying it could cost upwards of $2 billion, plus enormous environmental and social costs.
Mr Williamson said the growth was the best protection for a small regional port like Albany but insisted the port and its users work together with the waterfront development.
He said the nearby Albany City Foreshore was a world-class site and it was inevitable it would be developed.
“Rather than sterilise the area, we think it is better to work in with a development we can live with,” Mr Williamson said.
