Environmental Protection Authority recommends approvals for $350m Geraldton Port Maximisation Project

The State’s environment watchdog has given the $350 million upgrade of Geraldton Port the green light subject to conditions, including minimising impacts on seagrass and sea lions. Under the Port Maximisation Project, the plan is to replace multiple wharf decks, upgrade the tug harbour and construct a new breakwater extending further north into Champion Bay. Berth 1 would be replaced, a new tug boat harbour and Berths 8-9 created while the existing Berth 6 would be extended. The upgrades are needed to give the Geraldton port extra capacity so it can support and meet demand of future renewable energy projects and break-bulk cargo. The project has been recommended for approval in a decision released by the Environmental Protection Authority on Friday. EPA chair Darren Walsh said the independent body’s recommended conditions included banning dredging from the summer peak seagrass growth period and limits on seagrass areas to be impacted. “The EPA has also recommended conditioning a marine fauna management plan to mitigate the likely impacts from the proposal on marine fauna, namely Australian sea lions that are known to use the port as haul-out habitat,” he said. “This would include marine fauna observation and exclusion zones for construction activities, a minimum of two dedicated marine fauna observers present during dredging and piling, and staged construction to ensure that some Australian sea lion haul-out habitats would remain available. “Additionally, the rock wall related to the new tug harbour and breakwater would require a design that accommodates new artificial haul-out (flat rock) surfaces for the sea lions.” Mr Walsh said the Mid West Ports Authority had also committed to measures, including water quality monitoring at the tailwater discharge points, and contingency actions such as installing silt curtains. In May this year, construction kicked off on a new $52 million materials handling facility at Geraldton Port, which the State Government said marked the beginning of the Port Maximisation Project. The EPA’s report to Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn is now open for a three-week public appeal period, which closes on October 10. The report can be found on the EPA’s website. Appeals should be directed to the Office of the Appeals Convenor. The minister will have the final say on the project.