Works on a new $52 million materials handling facility at Geraldton Port has signified the commencement of the first major works on the $350 million Geraldton Port Maximisation Project in Western Australia.

The new facility will improve safety, increase efficiencies and reduce dust emissions. It will allow vessels to be loaded at increased speeds, delivering significant cost savings to the region’s exporters, as well as improve the port’s overall efficiency.

It marks the first major activity on site as part of the State Government’s $350 million Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP), which will significantly expand capacity of Geraldton Port and facilitate the export of new commodities from the region.

The next project in the PMaxP pipeline is the proposed Surge Protection Breakwater, which will address wave action restrictions that prevent ships entering and exiting the port which currently cost the port 30 lost productive days per year. The project is currently under assessment by the WA Environmental Protection Authority.

Related stories:

Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said he was thrilled to see the project get underway.

“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,” he said.

“Export tonnage through Geraldton will only continue to grow, with more grain, iron ore and minerals exports handled every year.”