Geraldton Port to get $11.6m in upgrades

The state government will invest $11.6 million into critical infrastructure upgrades at Geraldton Port, as part of Western Australia’s wider post-COVID economic recovery.

The upgrades are intended to grow mineral sands and concentrates exports from the Mid-West over the next 15 years, with the region set to produce up to 50 million tonnes per annum throughput - up from 15.9Mt in 2019, according to the Port of Geraldton master plan.

The port’s primary export wharf for mineral sands will receive a $10 million upgrade, known as the Wharf 4 Strengthening and Rail Replacement project.

The existing wharf, built in 1965, also moors vessels exporting grain to neighbouring wharf 3.

Meanwhile, the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour will receive a $1.58 million refurbishment to include new walkways, toilets, fuel bowsers and street lighting.

Both projects are set to create 90 jobs, with the vast majority of the work expected to go to local subcontractors, Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan said.

She said the investment would provide the mineral sands industry with the confidence to expand or develop new projects within the region.

“The Port Master Plan is an important guide for the Mid-West region and the Western Australian economy, providing strategic guidance for investment decisions that will provide significant economic value and local jobs in the region,” Ms MacTiernan said.

She said the investment would help stimulate economic activity within the Mid-West region.