PILBARA Ports Authority has awarded the contract for construction of a seawall vital to the Lumsden Point development in Port Hedland.
The west seawall is part of the new multi-user facility and logistics hub at Lumsden Point. The contract went to MGN Civil, which expects to begin work shortly.
MGN Civil began construction of the east seawall (the first stage of the seawall project) in January this year. The contractor is on track to complete first stage works next month.
The Lumsden Point project also includes constructing a causeway to connect the wharf to the proposed logistics hub, dredging of the inner harbour and construction of the roads and intersections in support of the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub.
The WA government believes the new multi-user facilities and berths will diversify trade in the Pilbara and support the growth of renewable industries in Australia and overseas.
It would increase export capacity for battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, facilitate the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades and support the rapid growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara.
The WA government has committed $129 million to the project, and the Commonwealth government is investing $565 million to support common user port upgrades in the Pilbara.
Western Australian premier Roger Cook said there are “enormous” opportunities in the Pilbara for new green industries, but infrastructure is needed to facilitate the growth.
“The Lumsden Point development will open up new opportunities in battery metals and renewable energy – ensuring the Pilbara remains the nation’s economic engine room long into the future,” he said.
“It’s also great to see Pilbara businesses benefiting from this major investment, as part of our commitment to local content in government contracts.”
Western Australian ports minister David Michael said the critical piece of infrastructure at Lumsden Point would be essential to facilitating growth and trade diversification in the Pilbara.
“It will also ensure WA is prepared for the future as we transition to net-zero emissions,” he said.
“The west seawall contract will provide a boost to the local economy and is an important step to enable future work at Lumsden Point to progress.”
Mr Michael noted the ultimate development of Lumsden Point is expected to boost Australia’s gross domestic product by $2.1 billion per annum.
“It is expected to save 3.6 million tonnes of emissions by 2055 by supporting direct shipping to the Pilbara and providing a pathway for renewable energy infrastructure.”
And Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the economic benefit of Lumsden Point would solidify the state’s position as the engine room of the Australian economy.
“I am also thrilled that MGN has committed to 100% of materials for the project being sourced from the Pilbara region, 100% of sub-contractors and suppliers being locally-based and as much as 50% of the labour being carried out by Pilbara-based people.”
