Ports minister joins Port of Albany celebrations

NEARLY 5000 people helped the Port of Albany in southern Western Australia celebrate its 200^th birthday.

A guest list of VIPs, including ports minister Stephen Dawson were among the 150 industry and regional stakeholders who gathered for a celebration at Albany Entertainment Centre last Friday to mark WA's first port.

The following day more than 4500 people gathered for a free community event, PortFest, to celebrate the bicentenary with interactive displays, live entertainment, giant games, food trucks, a host of activities for kids, guided port tours and the opportunity to get up close to shipping operations.

At the Friday night gathering Mr Dawson spoke to the audience about the ongoing importance of WA's ports and the role the Port of Albany played in the state's history.

He said it was clear strong ports didn't happen by chance.

“They are built through careful investment, strengthened through partnerships, and sustained by a strong commitment to regional communities,” Mr Dawson said.

“Fundamentally, our ports are the gateway between our ‘home grown’ strengths and global markets. They connect our industries resources, agriculture, forestry and others to the world.

“They enable jobs, investment and growth. And they underpin the strength of our regional economies.”

Mr Dawson said that for 200 years, Princess Royal Harbour had played a role in helping shape Western Australia from its earliest days.

“The decision to establish a port here in 1826 set in motion opportunities for prosperity that continue to bear fruit today.

“At that point in time, when the only other European settlements were on the eastern coast, this port was a vital connection to the outside world," he said.

“While the port has evolved, its role hasn’t changed, supporting industry, creating jobs and driving growth across the region.

“That’s why we remain unapologetically focused on backing our ports. Because when our regions are strong, Western Australia is strong. Looking to the future, carrying that legacy forward will take continued investment and a clear plan and I’m pleased to say that work is already well underway.”

Mr Dawson said the state government was investing more than $11 million into a detailed business case for a new general-purpose berth at the port to replace the ageing berth infrastructure that has served the port faithfully since the 1950s.

“And we are continuing to invest in regional roads, freight networks and supply chains that support the industries that rely on this port every day," he said.

“We’re also excited to see the redevelopment of the historic Pilot Station precinct. Construction of this $8.3 million project will kick off later this year and will deliver wonderful community space with some of the most spectacular views of King George Sound all while preserving the port’s heritage.

“Because this is about more than maintaining what we have, it’s about positioning Albany and the Great Southern for what comes next.

“The global economy is changing.

“There is growing demand for critical minerals, for sustainable products, and for more efficient supply chains.

“Western Australia is uniquely placed to meet that demand and ports like Albany will play a critical role in enabling new industries, supporting the energy transition, and opening up new export opportunities.

“Another important part of the future of our ports is how we embrace innovation. Increasingly, that means working alongside start-ups and emerging businesses who are bringing new ideas, technologies and ways of thinking into the sector.

“By opening our doors to innovation, we create opportunities for smarter systems, improve safety and efficiency, and respond more quickly to changing industry needs.

“It’s about building an ecosystem where new ideas can be tested and scaled and where regional ports like Albany can play a role in shaping the future of the maritime industry.

“And if history tells us anything, it’s that investment in ports delivers long-term returns.”

Mr Dawson said every stage of the Port of Albany’s development, from early jetties to deep-water infrastructure to modern bulk handling facilities had unlocked new industry opportunities.

It had also enabled strong partnerships with the private sector.

Mr Dawson welcomed the PortFest celebration that he said was the Port of Albany’s biggest ever community open day.

“It’s a day that is loved by the people of Albany because at its core, this port has always been about community.

“If you ever get a chance to look back through some of the historic trade figures you’ll see things like fruit, canned fish, frozen meats, wool, whale oil, sheep have all been exported through the port since the 1950s.

“Today there is a focus on grain, woodchips and silica sands in addition to cruise vessels for six months of every year but I know that Keith (CEO Wilks) and the Southern Ports team consistently focus on building and diversifying trade opportunities.

“So, instead of reflecting on the Port’s 200 years of history tonight, maybe we should all be thinking about celebrating the Port’s first 200 years, because I think there is plenty more of this story to unfold.”