Investment to boost engine room of Western Australia’s economy

Work is now underway on a major project that will expand the export and import capacity at the Port of Port Hedland - unlocking trade and investment opportunities, creating hundreds of new jobs and helping drive Australia's Net Zero future.

The Commonwealth Government is investing $565 million to support common user port upgrades in the Pilbara.

Part of this funding will enable the expansion of Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland, in partnership with the Western Australian Government - which is contributing $96.5 million to the project.

The project will deliver new multi-user facilities and berths that will help diversify trade in the Pilbara and support the growth of renewable industries in Australia and overseas.

This includes increasing the capacity to export battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, as well as import renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades. It will also support the rapid growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara.

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.

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.

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.

Comments attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

"The Commonwealth Government will deliver $565 million to upgrade Port facilities across the Pilbara - this 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."

Comments attributable to WA Premier Mark McGowan:

"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."

Comments attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"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."

Comments attributable to WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti:

"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."