WESTERN Australian ports are to receive almost $136 million in new funding under the 2023-24 state budget.
The funding targets several projects across the state’s ports, with an aim to increase capacity and diversify exports.
The WA government said the budget commitment brings the overall investment in the state’s ports over the next four years to almost $1.9 billion.
The $135.8 million investment sets out to expand the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour to support the Geraldton Port Maximisation Project and upgrade roads and berth facilities at the Port of Esperance.
It also covers replacement of ring main units at Mid West Ports and electrical upgrades at the ports of Wyndham, Derby, Albany and Bunbury.
The funding also complements other existing port projects that are scheduled for delivery in the coming four years.
That includes the expansion of Geraldton Port and of the Port of Port Hedland through development of Lumsden Point.
And also, it covers delivery of a new cargo wharf at Dampier Port and planning for a new container terminal through Westport.
“Western Australia is the engine room of our country’s economy, and our ports play a critical role in ensuring we can deliver to our customers across the world,” ports minister Rita Saffioti said.
“We continue to see increasing demand for many of our exports including iron ore, gas and wheat, which is why we continue to invest in upgrading and expanding infrastructure at our ports,” she said.
“As the world transitions to renewables, we need to ensure our ports are equipped to export and import key commodities and infrastructure, and our investments over the next four years are focused on delivering that.
“This will make sure Western Australia is in a strong position to capitalise from the transition.”
