The Australian and Western Australian Governments are
investing in the Lumsden Point project to support trade and growth in the Pilbara region
and beyond.
Pilbara Ports has awarded two major contracts for the
construction of Lumsden Point in the port of Port Hedland, marking another
significant milestone for the project.
The first major contract is to Jan De Nul (Australia)
Pty Ltd for dredging and land reclamation.
This contract will create a new access channel in the
port to enable vessels to safely berth at Lumsden Point, a swing basin and
berth pockets suitable to accommodate non-tidally restricted vessels.
Jan De Nul will mobilise to site in May 2024 to prepare
for dredging, which is expected to begin September 2024.
The second contract is to MGN Civil Pty Ltd for the
construction of the causeway, which will connect the new wharf to the proposed
logistics hub area. Construction started in April.
The project also recently achieved a crucial milestone,
with the seawalls completed in March.
The completion of the seawalls is critical to enabling
dredging and subsequent construction stages to progress.
Lumsden Point will facilitate the export of battery
metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, the import of renewable energy
infrastructure including wind turbines and blades, as well as support the
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.
The Australian Government is investing $565 million in
common user port upgrades in the Pilbara, $450 million of which will enable the
development of new multi-user facilities and berths at Lumsden Point.
This is in partnership with the Western Australian
Government, which is contributing $96.6 million to the project.
Further information about the Lumsden Point project is
available at www.pilbaraports.com.au
Quotes
attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development
and Local Government Catherine King:
"This is the next great development in the upgrade of
port facilities across the Pilbara.
"The Australian Government is delivering $565 million in common user port upgrades
in the Pilbara to help unlock trade and investment opportunities and support a
future made in Australia.
"This project is all about investment in good
infrastructure that opens doors and opportunities for businesses and
communities."
Quotes attributable to WA Minister for
Ports David Michael:
"The Pilbara is
the economic powerhouse of the nation, and the Lumsden Point project will
ensure it remains that way well into the future.
"This vital
infrastructure will facilitate trade growth at the port and position Port
Hedland at the forefront of future green industries.
"It's fantastic
to see the progress being made at Lumsden Point.
"The completion
of the seawalls and recent award of the dredging and land reclamation and
causeway construction contracts represent significant milestones in the
project's advancement which will drive economic growth and regional employment
opportunities."
Quotes attributable to Senator for Western
Australia Glenn Sterle:
"The Australian
Government's investment in the Lumsden Point expansion helps position Northern
Australia to take advantage of the economic opportunities this project will
provide as demand grows locally and overseas for clean energy sources.
"This project
drives a real short-term employment and economic boost while delivering lasting
infrastructure that will continue to benefit the region well into the future."
Quotes attributable to Pilbara MLA Kevin
Michel:
"This represents
another key milestone in the development of the Lumsden Point project, which
will play a crucial role in the Pilbara's economy in future.
"As well as
generating an immediate benefit by creating additional jobs and business
activity during construction, Lumsden Point will ultimately help diversify the
Pilbara's economy as we enter a new energy era."
29 MAY 2024
