The expansion of Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland will deliver new multi-user facilities and berths, supporting the growth of renewable industries in Australia and overseas.
The expansion will increase the Port’s capacity to export battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, as well as importing renewable energy infrastructure such as wind turbines and blades.
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.
MGN Civil was awarded the contract to complete the first of the seawalls, with a tender to soon be released for the delivery of the second.
The Federal Government is investing $565 million to expand the export and import capacity at the Port of Port Hedland, with the Western Australian Government contributing $96.5 million to the project.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the Federal Government’s investment will help unlock trade and investment opportunities, local jobs and help drive Australia’s Net Zero future.
“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,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
Federal Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “Investment in good infrastructure opens doors and opportunities for businesses and communities, and that’s exactly what this project is all about.
“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.”
Growing the capacity of Pilbara Ports has been identified by Infrastructure Australia as a national infrastructure priority.
Lumsden Point forms part of the Port of Port Hedland Development Plan Review, which was undertaken to maximise export capacity at the port.
Pilbara-based businesses will benefit from the first seawall contract, with 90 per cent of materials and suppliers to be sourced within the region, and additional sub-contracting and labour opportunities on offer. This will include partnerships with First Nations businesses and economic opportunities for communities across the north-west.
Western Australia Premier, Mark McGowan, said, “The Pilbara has been at the heart of our nation’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.
“We’re investing in projects to diversify our economy and create local jobs right across the state.”
Western Australian Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said, “The Pilbara is the engine room of both the Western Australian and Australian economies, and it’s so important we have both levels of government working together to expand our export and import capacity.
“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.”