The Cook Government is continuing to drive economic diversification opportunities in the Pilbara, with the new multi-user facility and logistics hub at Port Hedland's Lumsden Point reaching another milestone.
The Lumsden Point project, backed by a $129.1 million State Government commitment, includes construction of seawalls, a causeway to connect the wharf to the proposed logistics hub, dredging of the inner harbour and construction of the roads and intersections in support of the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub.
The Pilbara Ports Authority has awarded MGN Civil the contract for the west seawall construction, with works expected to begin shortly.
Pilbara based businesses are set to benefit from the west seawall contract, with 100 per cent of materials, suppliers and sub-contractors to be sourced within the region, and additional labour opportunities on offer.
MGN Civil began construction of the first stage of the seawalls (east seawall) in January 2023, and will complete the first stage works next month.
The Lumsden Point development will deliver new multi-user facilities and berths, diversifying trade in the Pilbara and supporting growth of renewable industries in Australia and overseas.
It will increase export capacity for battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, facilitate the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades, and support the rapid growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara.
The Commonwealth Government is investing $565 million to support common user port upgrades in the Pilbara, part of which will enable the development of Lumsden Point.
Further information about the Lumsden Point project is available on Pilbara Ports website.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"We know there are enormous opportunities in the Pilbara for job-creating new green industries, but we need the infrastructure in place to facilitate this growth.
"The Lumsden Point development will open up new opportunities in battery metals and renewable energy – ensuring the Pilbara remains the nation's economic engine room long into the future.
"It's also great to see Pilbara businesses benefiting from this major investment, as part of our commitment to local content in government contracts."
Comments attributed to Ports Minister David Michael:
"It is fantastic to see the progress being made at Lumsden Point, with this critical piece of infrastructure essential to facilitating growth and trade diversification in the Pilbara. It will also ensure WA is prepared for the future as we transition to net-zero emissions.
"The west seawall contract will provide a boost to the local economy and is an important step to enable future work at Lumsden Point to progress.
"The ultimate development of Lumsden Point is expected to boost Australia's gross domestic product by $2.1 billion per annum. It is expected to save 3.6 million tonnes of emissions by 2055 by supporting direct shipping to the Pilbara and providing a pathway for renewable energy infrastructure."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Lumsden Point will provide significant economic benefit to the State and country, solidifying WA's position as the engine room of the Australian economy.
"I am also thrilled that MGN has committed to 100 per cent of materials for the project being sourced from the Pilbara region, 100 per cent of sub-contractors and suppliers being locally-based and as much as 50 per cent of the labour being carried out by Pilbara-based people."