CONSTRUCTION has begun on a new $52 million materials handling facility at Geraldton Port that will streamline the loading of mineral sands and other products directly by conveyor from truck to bulk vessels alongside Berth 4.
The facility will allow vessels to be loaded at increased speeds delivering significant cost savings to the region's exporters, as well as improving the port's overall efficiency.
A state government media release said the new facility will improve safety, increase efficiencies and reduce dust emissions.
The project is the first step in the state government’s $350 million Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP).
The media release said the materials handling facility marks the start of a transformative infrastructure project to future-proof the port and drive economic growth in the Mid West.
The PMaxP will significantly expand the capacity of Geraldton Port and facilitate the export of new commodities from the region.
“Importantly, the management of dust emissions has been incorporated into its design, which is fully enclosed and features dust extraction systems,” the release said.
A state-of-the-art washdown water treatment system is also being installed which will see washdown water treated, reused and recycled.
Construction of the truck unloading facility is expected to be complete in late 2026.
The next project in the PMaxP pipeline is the proposed Surge Protection Breakwater, which will address wave action restrictions that prevent ships entering and exiting the port which currently cost the port 30 lost productive days per year.
The project is currently under assessment by the WA Environmental Protection Authority.
Ports minister Stephen Dawson said Geraldton Port is critical to the economic development of the Mid West region and the state, providing a gateway for high value agricultural and mineral products which are exported to the world.
"Export tonnage through Geraldton will only continue to grow, with more grain, iron ore and minerals exports handled every year.
"The Cook Government's major investment in the PMax Project is ensuring Mid West Ports' infrastructure can meet significant projected demand and continue to support WA's thriving economy.”
Mid West Minister Jackie Jarvis said the new facilities will strengthen supply chains for the state's important grain industry and farmers, as well as enabling the export of new commodities out of Geraldton to help grow new industries in the region.