Geraldton $350m Port Maximisation Project breaks ground, project set to drive economic growth: ports minister

Works have begun on the $350 million upgrade to the Geraldton Port, with the project set to drive economic growth in the Mid West, according to the State Government. On Saturday, it was announced construction had started on the $52m materials handling facility at the port, the first of several upgrades set to take place as part of the Port Maximisation Project. The new facility will streamline the process of loading mineral sands and other products directly through a conveyor from trucks to bulk vessels alongside berth four. Dust minimisation has also been a priority, with the design fully enclosed with dust extraction systems. The development was the first in multiple stages to redevelop the port, including a new berth one for cruise ships, a breakwater extension to reduce downtime at the port, and modifications to existing berths to cater for larger vessels. Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said the project was important to ensuring economic growth in WA. “Geraldton Port is critical to the economic development of our Mid West region and the State, providing a gateway for high-value agricultural and mineral products which are exported to the world,” he said. “This new facility marks an important milestone in the Geraldton Port Maximisation Project and will improve safety, environmental and efficiency outcomes across the entire port. “Export tonnage through Geraldton will only continue to grow, with more grain, iron ore and minerals exports handled every year.” According to Mid West Ports Authority chief executive Damian Tully, the new unloader handling facilities will also allow triple-carriage road trains, up from the two-carriage trucks previously used. Construction of the truck unloading facility is expected to be finished in late 2026. The $350m project received approval in 2022, with a number of approvals needing to take place since then. The next project, the surge protection breakwater, aims to address wave action which prevents the port from being used for 30 days of the year with surges stopping ships entering or exiting the port. The project was under assessment through the State’s Environmental Protection Authority.