THE FEDERAL government is investing $565 million for common user port upgrades in the Pilbara. The government said the investment would help expand the export and import capacity at the Port of Port Hedland.
Part of this funding will go to expanding the Lumsden Point facility at Port Hedland. The project is in partnership with the Western Australian government, which is contributing $96.5 million.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government’s investment would help unlock trade and investment opportunities, local jobs and help drive Australia’s net-zero future.
“Here in Port Hedland we something like 4% of our GDP go through this port – it is a great wealth creator here in the Pilbara,” he said. “This will make an enormous difference.”
“Common user facilities will be important in making sure there is access across the board to the export and also to import facilities here at the port,” Mr Albanese said.
“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.”
The Lumsden Point project is to deliver new multi-user facilities and berths that will help diversify trade in the Pilbara and support the growth of renewable industries.
The government said the facility would support the “rapid” growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara. Also, it would boost capacity to export battery metals and import renewable infrastructure such as wind turbines and blades.
Lumsden Point forms part of the Port of Port Hedland Development Plan Review, which was undertaken to maximise export capacity at the port.
The first stage of works on the project will construct two seawalls and a new causeway, which will connect the wharf to the proposed logistics hub.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said the Pilbara has been at the heart of Australia’s economic strength for decades, generating wealth for the entire country and supporting thousands of jobs across Western Australia.
“This port expansion will help to position Port Hedland at the forefront of the future green industries that will drive our state’s economy for decades to come,” he said.
“That facility itself [at Lumsden Point] will expand the capacity of the port and make sure it can diversify into areas that will better support the economy here in the Pilbara and Western Australia.”
Federal minister for transport Catherine King said investment in good infrastructure opens doors and opportunities for businesses and communities.
“By making use of local expertise and materials for the first seawall, this project will drive a real short-term employment and economic boost while delivering lasting infrastructure that will continue to benefit the region well into the future,” she said.
And WA minister for transport Rita Saffioti said the Pilbara is the “engine room” of both the Western Australian and Australian economies.
“It’s so important we have both levels of government working together to expand our export and import capacity,” she said.
“We have a lot of natural advantages in Western Australia, but we must keep investing in the infrastructure that will drive our future growth, and ensure our state and country capitalises on the opportunities that come from the transition to renewables.”
